Kilowatt Kit

UK Solar Grant Eligibility Checker

Answer 6 quick questions to see which grants and schemes you may qualify for — ECO4, Warm Homes Plan, 0% VAT, SEG, and more.

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Do you own or rent your home?

Some grants are restricted to homeowners. Renters may still qualify through their landlord.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grants are available for solar panels in the UK in 2025–26?

The main UK solar grants are: ECO4 (free solar + insulation for low-income households on benefits, closes 2026), the Warm Homes Plan (expected late 2025, replacing ECO4 with means-tested grants up to £15,000), 0% VAT on solar panel installation (all homeowners since 2022), the Smart Export Guarantee (paid export tariff for all solar owners), and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) for insulation to complement solar savings.

Who qualifies for ECO4 solar panels?

ECO4 targets households that own or rent a property with an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G, AND receive at least one qualifying means-tested benefit (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit with income under £31,000, etc.). Both conditions must be met. Social housing tenants may qualify through a different "flex" route where councils can refer properties meeting local deprivation criteria.

What is the Warm Homes Plan?

The Warm Homes Plan is the UK government's planned successor to ECO4, announced as part of Labour's energy policy. It aims to invest £6.6 billion over 5 years to upgrade homes, with grants expected to cover solar panels, heat pumps, insulation, and heating system upgrades. It is targeted at lower-income households and is expected to launch in late 2025, with phased roll-out through 2030. Details were being finalised at the time of writing — check gov.uk for latest announcements.

Is VAT really 0% on solar panels?

Yes. Since April 2022, solar panel installations (including batteries and heat pumps) have been zero-rated for VAT in the UK for all homes. Previously only certain households paid 5% reduced VAT; now the 0% rate is universal and applies to residential properties. This saves approximately £1,800 on a typical £24,000 solar + battery installation compared to the standard 20% VAT rate. This is not a grant — it's a permanent VAT relief built into the installation price.

Can renters get solar grants?

Renters in social housing may be eligible for ECO4 through their housing association or local council — your landlord's property must meet EPC and deprivation criteria. Private renters cannot directly apply for ECO4, but landlords of private rental properties with low EPC ratings can apply, with the works benefiting the tenant. The Warm Homes Plan is expected to include a landlord upgrade obligation for rental properties.