Solar Panel Grants | Switch Together

Are There Any Grants Available for Solar Panels in the UK?

There are still government-backed ways to get support for solar panels in 2026. If your home meets the eligibility criteria, you may be eligible for free or significantly reduced-cost solar panel installation.

But even if you’re not eligible, you still have a clear, supported path forward. Switch Together helps households across the UK access lower-cost solar installations, expert guidance, and in some areas, financing support — all in partnership with local councils.

Grant Money for Solar Panels: How to Access It

Check your eligibility – Grants often depend on your household income, energy efficiency, or benefits received.
Apply through your local council or energy supplier - They can guide you through the process.
Combine with extra savings – Even if a grant doesn’t cover everything, Switch Together group-buying and regional support can reduce costs further.

If You’re Not Eligible for Government Grants

Not every home qualifies for government funding — and that’s okay. You can still reduce the cost of going solar by switching together with others in your community.

That’s where Switch Together comes in. We use group buying to bring households together, helping you access competitive solar offers from trusted installers — without relying on grants.

Learn More

National Government Grants for Solar Panels (2026)

Energy Company Obligation (ECO4 and ECO4 Flex)

The ECO4 scheme is available to households in England, Scotland, and Wales. If you live in Northern Ireland, there are separate support schemes you can explore — you’ll find those outlined below.

- ECO4 is the main national energy‑efficiency scheme backed by the government and administered via big energy suppliers.
- Under ECO4 (or ECO4 Flex, where granted), eligible households can receive energy‑efficiency upgrades — including possibly solar panels or other renewable energy technologies.
- Eligibility often depends on having a property with a lower EPC rating (D, E, F or G) and being on a low income or receiving certain benefits.
- ECO4 is available until March 2026, with plans underway for the next phase (ECO5).

How to apply for the ECO4 scheme

Check if you’re eligible
Eligibility depends on your household income, certain benefits, and your home’s energy efficiency (usually EPC D, E, F, or G).
Reach out locally
Contact your local council or an energy supplier participating in ECO4 to see if the scheme is available in your area.

For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, always check the official government and Ofgem websites.

England

Warm Homes: Local Grant

This is a scheme run by the English government for low‑income households in England. If you qualify, your local council can install improvements, including solar panels. GOV.UK
To qualify, your home must be privately owned or privately rented (with landlord's agreement), and have an energy efficiency rating (EPC) of D, E, F or G. GOV.UK
Typically, household income must be £36,000 a year or less — though even if you earn more, you may qualify under certain postcodes or benefits. GOV.UK
If approved, the improvement is arranged and paid for by the council — you don’t pay.

Some local councils offer that support, and when you register with Switch Together, we’ll show you any regional schemes we’re part of that could help reduce your costs.

Wales

Nest Scheme

Funded and administered by the Welsh Government.
Provides free energy efficiency advice and financial support for eligible households across Wales.
Can cover up to 100% of the cost of installing solar panels for qualifying homes.
Designed to support low-income households or those receiving means-tested benefits.

Optimised Retrofit Programme (ORP)

What it is: Funding programme to make social housing in Wales greener and more energy-efficient.
Who it’s for: Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) and local authorities managing social homes.
Upgrades covered: Solar panels, heat pumps, insulation, and other energy-saving measures.
Timeline: Apply spring 2025; complete works by 31 March 2026.

Scotland

The Home Energy Scotland Grant provides grants and interest-free loans for hybrid systems combining solar PV and solar water heating.
Aimed at low-income households and homes with poor energy efficiency ratings.

Northern Ireland

Business & Community Support

NISEP can help your business, community group, or social enterprise cover up to 20% of solar installation costs.
To apply, you’ll need to be registered in Northern Ireland and use approved installers.
Applications are carefully reviewed by the Energy Saving Trust and approved by the Utility Regulator, so you know the process is safe and reliable.

Homeowner Support

While there aren’t dedicated solar grants for homeowners in Northern Ireland right now, you can still save thanks to the UK-wide 0% VAT rate on solar panels.

Business Solar Panel Grants

Businesses can benefit too. Grants and incentives often focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) or specific sectors:

Local Authority & Regional Grants: Cover up to 50% of installation costs
Annual Investment Allowance (AIA): Claim 100% tax relief up to £1 million
Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF): Support for energy-intensive businesses

Other UK schemes include:

UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Low Carbon Project: Grants up to 75% for commercial solar, deadline 31 March 2026
Low Carbon Workspaces: Covers up to 33% of costs in select counties, awards £1,000–£5,000

Check with your local council or industry body for eligibility and application guidance.

Can I apply if I already have solar panels?

Most grants support new installations. You may still qualify if you’re adding to your system—for example, extra panels or a battery. Grants usually aren’t available for replacing older panels or for systems that were fully funded before.

Do I need to repay my solar grant?

No. Solar government grants are financial support, not loans—you won’t need to repay them.

Can I combine the grant with other savings or offers?

Yes. You can usually combine government grants with additional savings, such as group-buying schemes like Switch Together. You can also use the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) alongside most grants.

Can landlords apply for solar grants?

In some cases, yes. Eligibility depends on the scheme. ECO4 mainly supports owner-occupiers, while some local authority programmes may allow landlords to apply for energy-efficiency upgrades.

What if I already applied for another grant?

You can apply to multiple grants, but you can’t use more than one grant for the same installation. If a measure has already been funded, you won’t be able to claim again for that work.

Do business solar panel grants exist in the UK?

Yes, business solar panel grants are available in the UK. They’re often aimed at small and medium enterprises (SMEs) or specific sectors, but there are several ways your business could benefit:

Local Authority and Regional Grants
Many local councils and regional agencies offer grants that can cover up to 50% of the cost for solar panel installations.

Annual Investment Allowance (AIA)
Claim 100% tax relief on the cost of solar panel installations, up to £1 million, helping you make upgrades more affordable.

Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF)
Large, energy-intensive businesses may be eligible for funding to support decarbonisation projects, including solar panels.

Several UK grants cover solar panel installations for small businesses, with support varying by region and eligibility. Key schemes include:

UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Low Carbon Project

Provides grants covering up to 75% of eligible costs for commercial solar installations, with a deadline of 31 March 2026. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in eligible areas can apply, and funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Low Carbon Workspaces

Available in several counties (Berkshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire), this initiative covers up to a third of investment costs, with awards ranging from £1,000 to £5,000.

We recommend checking eligibility with your local council, industry bodies, or government portals. That way, you can see what support is available for your business and take the right steps to access it—helping your business save on energy costs while contributing to a greener future.

Solar Panel Grants and Schemes