Solar Panel Grants UK 2026: What Financial Help Is Available?

ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation)

ECO4 is the government's main energy efficiency scheme, funded through energy suppliers. It supports improvements including insulation and, in some cases, solar panels for households that meet eligibility criteria. Eligibility is primarily means-tested — households on certain benefits, or those with low energy performance ratings (EPC D or below), may qualify.

To find out if you qualify, use the government's energy grants calculator at gov.uk. Do not pay upfront for anything that is presented as a "free" grant scheme without independently verifying it through gov.uk.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides grants for replacing gas and oil heating systems with heat pumps. While not a solar panel grant directly, solar and heat pump combinations are increasingly popular — many homeowners install both together to create a fully renewable energy system. Check gov.uk for current BUS grant amounts, as these are revised periodically.

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

The Smart Export Guarantee is not a grant but an income stream. Every licensed electricity supplier with more than 150,000 customers must offer to pay you for electricity you export to the grid from your solar panels. SEG tariff rates vary by supplier, so it is worth comparing rates before choosing an export tariff. SEG payments contribute to the annual saving figures shown throughout this site.

Warm Homes Plan

The government's Warm Homes Plan is a major initiative aimed at upgrading the energy efficiency of UK homes. Components of the plan are being announced and refined — monitor gov.uk and reputable news sources for announcements, as new grant elements may be launched during 2026 and 2027.