Not a day goes by when browsing social media I don’t see an advert for FREE solar panels. But what is the reality is it a marketing ploy or is there actually grants available that can provide solar panels at no cost?
So I have done the research!
And yes, it is possible to get free grants for solar panels in the UK through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme. ECO4 is a government scheme that requires energy companies to help low-income households make energy-efficient improvements to their homes. This includes the installation of renewable energy sources such as solar panels.
To be eligible for an ECO4 grant, you must:
- Live in a household in England, Wales, or Scotland that receives one of the following benefits:
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support (IS)
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit Savings Credit
- Have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G
In addition to ECO4, there are also
The Home Upgrade Grant scheme is a government scheme that provides grants of up to £10,000 to low-income households in England to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes. This includes the installation of solar panels.
To be eligible for a Home Upgrade Grant, you must:
- Live in a property in England that has an EPC rating of D or lower
- Have a household income of less than £30,000 per year
If you meet these criteria, you can apply for a Home Upgrade Grant but it is dependant upon your local authority how much funding they have received through central government and if the impact of solar pv on your property meets within that specific councils remit and availability of funds.
There are also additional factors, non means tested benefits such as disabilities can be taken into account on some applications.
The process becomes a a lot more complex with different councils having different remits and processes with this in mind we are launching on our website a a look up tool that will help you check you eligibility and give you appropriate companies in your area who can help. Remember here only fully accredited companies can provide solar panels and battery systems that are compliant and we ONLY recommend companies who are accredited.
To check eligibility click here.
For more information on grants in the UK, please visit the following websites: