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Free solar panels are rare, but eligible low-income households can often access full funding through the ECO4 (until the end of 2026), Warm Homes: Local Grant, and other schemes. 
All homeowners can pay 0% VAT on solar panels right now. New low-interest loans are coming soon that anyone can apply for, with interest-free options available for lower-income households. 
It’s a great time to consider whether solar panels are right for you. Find out everything you need to know below.
If you’re hoping to reduce your energy bills, you might be looking at free solar panels. While solar panel grants aren’t available to everyone in the UK, there are some incentives open to all households. Government funding is split into two categories:
Even if you aren't eligible for solar panel grants and funding, they are a smart energy choice. Compare solar panel quotes now.
Announced this year, the Warm Homes Plan is the government’s overarching £15bn "Rooftop Revolution" scheme. It aims to upgrade millions of homes with solar panels, insulation, batteries, heat pumps, smart meters and more. 
This umbrella scheme offers two main support routes to solar funding.
The primary grant mechanism for eligible low-income households, offering fully funded (free) solar panels and batteries. See below for full details.
Government-backed and available to every homeowner who doesn't qualify for the free grant. These loans (expected to be available from 2027) will aim to remove the upfront cost barrier for solar power.
The Warm Homes: Local Grant aims to lift families out of fuel poverty by improving energy-inefficient homes, with £500m available until 2028. 
Launched in 2025 as part of the wider Warm Homes Plan, this solar panel government grant is now available. It's aimed at eligible low-income and vulnerable households, normally with an income under £36,000.
Only those living in private accommodation, whether owned or rented, are eligible. Your home must have an EPC rating of D-G. 
Households can get funding for insulation, heat pumps and more. However, the most popular measures so far have been solar panels (37%) and solar batteries (11%), according to government data.  
Important to know: The scheme is run by local councils, so eligibility may differ by area. They will send someone to assess your home and recommend which measures will be best; you can’t just request solar panels. 
The scheme only runs in England, but Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have equivalent options.
Aimed at the most vulnerable households, the government-mandated ECO4 scheme sees energy suppliers fund improvements for eligible homes. However, you’ll have to act soon if you want to apply. The scheme will end in December 2026. 
ECO4 covers solar panels and sometimes batteries. Solar is normally offered only alongside other measures, such as heat pumps and insulation. 
Eligible households can often get 100% funding, while some borderline cases may be offered partial funding. You typically qualify if someone in your family receives eligible benefits and your home has a poor EPC rating of D-G. 
Those at risk of fuel poverty may also be eligible. LA Flex, or Local Authority Flexibility, allows councils to approve ECO4 funding for those who aren't on benefits. For instance:
Don’t forget, ECO4 ends in December 2026. You must apply before then to be considered.
Important to know: ECO4 is often oversubscribed, and homes that are easier to upgrade are sometimes prioritised. These include those with electric heating, south or west-facing roofs and no shade. 
You must own your home or have your landlord's permission to apply. 
If you aren’t eligible for free solar panels using government grants, there are still some options to save money. VAT on solar panels and batteries are being cut from 20% to 0%. According to gov.uk, you have until March 2027 to get the special rate (before it reverts to a reduced rate of 5%). 
All UK homeowners are eligible (as long as you get your solar panels from a certified installer), and the cut applies to both materials and labour. The VAT break means you could save between £1,000 and £1,500 on solar panels alone, or between £1,000 and £2,000 on a combined solar and battery system, compared to paying the standard rate.
The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) is now closed to new applications. Aimed specifically at homes not on the gas grid, these solar panel government grants were delivered by local councils. 
Solar panels were often 100% funded under the scheme, and you could sometimes access solar batteries. Your property had to have an EPC of D, E, F, or G, and your household income needed to be under £36,000. 
A similar solar energy grant in the UK is expected to be announced. The Warm Homes: Local Grant is now available.
Not sure where to start with solar panel grants? Here are the most important stages, step-by-step:
Your EPC rating is often the first stage if you’re looking for free solar panels. You usually need a D or lower rating for funding. 
You can check yours using the UK government EPC register. If your home doesn’t have one or it has expired, you’ll need to apply for a new certificate.
If applying for an eligibility-based solar energy grant in the UK, you may need proof of benefits or low income. 
Documents you may need include recent benefit award letters, payslips or bank statements. Remember, even if you’re not on eligible benefits, you may still qualify for the Warm Homes: Local Grant via LA Flex.
Most solar energy grants in the UK require you to use a certified professional. You’ll also need to use one to get the 0% VAT rate. 
Check the MCS website for a certified installer near you.
Solar panels are a big investment, with high initial costs if you’re unable to get government funding. However, with 0% VAT and no/low-interest loans coming in the future, there are big benefits to consider:
It’s important to weigh up both the initial investment and any benefits when buying solar panels for your home. However, with solar panel government grants and incentives available, plus more coming, it’s a great time to consider solar power.
This will depend on the scheme or incentive and who is providing it. You can currently pay 0% VAT on solar panel batteries. While details of the Warm Homes Plan are still being confirmed, it will probably include them. 
The Warm Homes: Local Grant can cover batteries, if an assessor thinks they’re right for you. ECO4 will depend on the supplier and what they offer.
Yes, receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a qualifying benefit for ECO4. This means you could potentially get 100% funded solar panel if your property meets the EPC requirements.
Remember, you may also qualify for ECO4 via LA Flex, even if you don’t receive the eligible benefits. This includes if you’re a carer or have a large family with high energy needs.
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