03/11/2025
Solar Panel Grants in the UK: Everything You Need to Know
With energy prices rising and sustainability becoming a priority, many UK households are considering solar panels. However, installation costs can be a barrier. Fortunately, solar panel grants and schemes help make renewable energy more affordable by reducing upfront expenses, shortening payback periods, and boosting long-term returns on investment.
Guide Summary:
- Explore grants available
- Grant eligibility criteria
- How to apply for grants
- The benefits of grants
Why apply for solar panel grants?
Solar panel grants provide financial support for households looking to invest in clean energy. By reducing the upfront cost of installation, these schemes make renewable energy more accessible and shorten the payback period. This means homeowners can see a quicker return on investment while enjoying long-term savings through lower electricity bills. In addition to the financial benefits, grants help improve your home’s energy efficiency and overall EPC rating, ensuring that renewable energy is not only affordable but also a smart way to future-proof your property.
Have a grant and looking to get your solar panels installed? Contact a member of our team today.
Types of solar panel grants available in the UK
- Energy Company Obligation (ECO4): Provides energy-saving upgrades, including solar panels, for low-income households.
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Pays households for exporting surplus solar energy back to the grid.
- Home Upgrade Grant / Warm Home Grant: Targets low-income households off the gas grid, offering financial support for energy efficiency measures including solar.
- Zero VAT Discount: The installation of residential solar panels benefits from a reduced VAT rate of 0%.
Regional variations across the UK
Grant availability for solar panels can vary significantly depending on where you live. In Scotland, the Home Energy Scotland scheme provides both grants and loans to support solar panel installation, making renewable energy more affordable for households. In Wales, the Welsh Government’s Warm Home Nest Scheme offers free energy-saving improvements, including solar panels, to eligible homeowners and private renters. Meanwhile, some local authorities across England run their own tailored programmes, such as LA Flex, which extend funding opportunities to households that may not qualify under national schemes. Checking the options available in your region is essential to ensure you maximise the support on offer.
Ready for your solar panel installation? Get in touch with a member of our team today!
Eligibility Criteria for Solar Panel Grants
While eligibility varies by scheme, typical requirements include:
- Household income: ECO4 generally applies to those earning under £31,000 or in receipt of benefits (e.g. Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit).
- EPC rating: Properties with an EPC rating of D or lower are often prioritised.
- Home ownership: You must own your home or have landlord permission.
- Location: Some grants are regional or council-specific.
You can also use tools such as E.ON Next’s eligibility checker, or contact your supplier directly to see if you qualify.
How to apply for Solar Panel Grants
Applying for solar panel funding involves several key steps:
- Check eligibility – Review income, EPC rating, and scheme-specific criteria.
- Get a quote from an approved supplier – Approved installers will assess your property and provide a tailored proposal.
- Submit your application – With support from your supplier, provide identification, proof of address, bank statements, energy bills, and proof of ownership or tenancy.
- Await approval and installation – Once accepted, schedule the installation with your installer.
- Inspection and benefits – A final inspection ensures compliance, after which you’ll start enjoying lower energy bills and greater efficiency.
Alternative funding options
If you’re not eligible for a solar panel grant, there are still several alternative financing options to consider. Many homeowners choose to take out personal loans from banks or lenders, repaid in manageable monthly instalments, to cover the upfront costs of installation. Alternatively, solar panel loans are available, designed specifically for renewable energy systems and often offering more competitive interest rates than standard lending. Increasingly, banks and financial institutions are also offering green finance products, such as eco-loans or green mortgages, which are tailored to support energy-efficient home improvements, including solar panels. These options can provide flexible ways to make solar energy more accessible, even without grant funding.
Talk to a member of the team about how Sygma can help you select and install the solar panels most suited to you.
Choosing approved installers
Selecting the right installer is essential for quality and compliance.
- In the UK, MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) approval is a key standard, so check that your installer is accredited.
- Look for proven track records, portfolios, and customer testimonials.
- Review the installer’s professionalism. Do they have transparent pricing, warranties, and strong aftercare?
- By getting multiple quotes, it ensures fair pricing and avoids “too good to be true” offers.
Why Choose Sygma
At Sygma, we specialise in helping UK households access renewable energy solutions with confidence. From identifying available solar panel grants to designing, installing, and maintaining your system, our expert team ensures compliance with industry standards while maximising your long-term savings.
Call us today on 0800 043 6728 to discuss your solar panel installation and available funding options.
FAQs
Do I qualify for solar panel grants if I’m not on benefits?
Some schemes, like the Smart Export Guarantee and Zero VAT, apply to all households, but income-based funding such as ECO,4 targets low-income homes.
How much can I save with a solar panel grant?
Savings vary, but grants can reduce upfront installation costs significantly while lowering long-term bills by hundreds of pounds annually.
Can I combine multiple grants or schemes?
Yes. In many cases, you can combine schemes such as SEG payments with VAT discounts and local authority programmes.