Applying for free solar panels under a government scheme provides UK households with an affordable way to cut electricity bills and reduce carbon emissions. With grants like ECO4, eligible households can access not only solar panels but also energy efficient systems like ASHP and insulation to further lower energy costs.
There are several government grants and incentives available for the installation of solar panels in the UK. ECO4 is a government-backed scheme worth £4 billion designed to improve the energy efficiency of the least energy efficient households in the UK.
While the landscape of government support for solar panel installations has evolved with several past programs phasing out, there are still viable options available to assist UK households in adopting solar energy. Key among these are the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4), Local Authority (LA) programs and the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG).
Solar panel grants and funding schemes like Energy Company Obligation are designed to encourage homeowners to invest in renewable energy and reduce their carbon footprint. These schemes can help offset the upfront cost of installing solar panels, making it more affordable for individuals to switch to clean energy.
This applies to every country in the UK except Northern Ireland. From April 2023 to March 2025, 45 local authorities in England can give grants of up to £10,000 to homeowners in their area for improvements including solar panels. These grants are also available for insulation, heat pumps, double glazing, solar thermal and heating controls.
Solar grants often only cover specific solar energy system components such as solar panels, inverters and installation costs. Battery storage or advanced monitoring systems are typically excluded from these funding programmes. How much can I save with a solar panel grant?
The IRS states in Questions 25 and 26 in its Q&A on Tax Credits that off-site solar panels or solar panels that are not directly on the taxpayer''s home could still qualify for the residential federal solar tax credit under some circumstances. …