There are solar panel grants for homeowners in the UK, from Smart Export Guarantee to zero VAT. Read about solar panel funding options & how to apply!
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.
There are no government grants specifically for solar panels, but are more steered towards improving energy efficiency. All is not lost, though, as some grants can be used to install them as part of energy efficient upgrades.
Solar panel subsidies have been an important tool to encourage homeowners and enterprises to adopt renewable energy. In the UK, several subsidies have helped make solar power more affordable and accessible, but unfortunately, many of these programs have now expired. Let’s take a closer look at a few of these programs.
The grant opened in April 2023 and will run until March 2025. It can be used to fund home improvements, such as insulation, heat pumps, double glazing, solar thermal, and solar PV panels. As of February 2024, 28% of the grants handed out have been for solar panels, so applying for the grant is worth a shot if you’re eligible.
While some of the government initiatives are completely free solar panel grants, others are loans or reductions in VAT that count as solar panel government schemes. Find out more by watching the video below: Is there a free solar panels government scheme in the UK?