The Complete Guide to eco4 Scheme Solar Panels: Eligibility & Benefits
9 September 2023
5 min read
CRG Direct

The Complete Guide to eco4 Scheme Solar Panels: Eligibility & Benefits

Discover eligibility criteria and benefits of the eco4 scheme for solar panels. Learn how to maximize your investment in renewable energy. Read more!

The Complete Guide to eco4 Scheme Solar Panels: Eligibility & Benefits

See our great reviews

Eco4 Scheme Solar Panels: Powering UK Homes for Free

The ECO4 scheme, the latest version of the Energy Company Obligation, is changing the way UK households approach energy efficiency. This government initiative is reducing carbon emissions, tackling fuel poverty and promoting renewable energy solutions across the country.

What is the ECO4 Scheme?

The ECO4 scheme is a government energy efficiency scheme to help low-income households get energy-saving measures, including freesolar panels. This scheme runs from April 2022 to March 2026 and has £4 billion allocated to improve the energy efficiency rating of UK homes.

Free Solar Panels and More

One of the best bits of the ECO4 scheme is the opportunity to get free solar panels. This also includes other energy-efficient home upgrades such as:

  • Air source heat pumps
  • Loft insulation
  • Cavity wall insulation
  • Electric storage heaters

Air source heat pumps

Loft insulation

Cavity wall insulation

Electric storage heaters

Other Energy-Efficient Measures

In addition tosolar panels the ECO4 schemeoffers other energy efficient measures to reduce carbon emissions and fuel poverty. These measures include:

  • Air Source Heat Pumps:These highly efficient and eco friendly heating solutions can provide up to4kWof heat from just 1kW of electricity, perfect for reducing energy bills and carbon emissions.
  • Heating Systems:The ECO4 scheme has various heating systems, including heat pumps, electric storage heaters and combi-boilers all to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs.
  • Insulation:Proper insulation is key to a warm and energy efficient home. The scheme includes various insulation measures such as loft insulation, internal wall insulation, cavity wall insulation and underfloor insulation.
  • Energy-Efficient Boilers:Although there is a cap on boiler replacements under the ECO4 scheme funding is still available for energy efficient boilers like combi-boilers which can reduce energy consumption and energy bills.

Air Source Heat Pumps:These highly efficient and eco friendly heating solutions can provide up to4kWof heat from just 1kW of electricity, perfect for reducing energy bills and carbon emissions.

Heating Systems:The ECO4 scheme has various heating systems, including heat pumps, electric storage heaters and combi-boilers all to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs.

Insulation:Proper insulation is key to a warm and energy efficient home. The scheme includes various insulation measures such as loft insulation, internal wall insulation, cavity wall insulation and underfloor insulation.

Energy-Efficient Boilers:Although there is a cap on boiler replacements under the ECO4 scheme funding is still available for energy efficient boilers like combi-boilers which can reduce energy consumption and energy bills.

These energy efficient measures can be installed for free or at a reduced cost depending on the household’s eligibility and the measures required. By combining these measures households can reduce their energy bills, lower their carbon footprint and have a warmer and more comfortable home.

Eligibility Criteria

To get freesolar panels or other energy savingmeasures under the ECO4 scheme households typically need to meet the following criteria:

  1. Low household income (usually under £36,000 per year)Receipt of specific benefits such as:Universal CreditChild Tax CreditsWorking Tax CreditIncome SupportHousing BenefitPersonal Independence PaymentA low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, typically E or lower
  2. Receipt of specific benefits such as:Universal CreditChild Tax CreditsWorking Tax CreditIncome SupportHousing BenefitPersonal Independence Payment
  3. Universal Credit
  4. Child Tax Credits
  5. Working Tax Credit
  6. Income Support
  7. Housing Benefit
  8. Personal Independence Payment
  9. A low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, typically E or lower

Low household income (usually under £36,000 per year)

  1. Receipt of specific benefits such as:Universal CreditChild Tax CreditsWorking Tax CreditIncome SupportHousing BenefitPersonal Independence Payment
  2. Universal Credit
  3. Child Tax Credits
  4. Working Tax Credit
  5. Income Support
  6. Housing Benefit
  7. Personal Independence Payment
  8. A low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, typically E or lower

Receipt of specific benefits such as:

  • Universal Credit
  • Child Tax Credits
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Income Support
  • Housing Benefit
  • Personal Independence Payment

Universal Credit

Child Tax Credits

Working Tax Credit

Income Support

Housing Benefit

Personal Independence Payment

A low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, typically E or lower

Benefits of the ECO4 Scheme

Lower Energy Bills

Byinstalling solar panelsand other energy efficient measures households can reduce their energy consumption and save money on energy bills. Annual savings can be substantial with some households saving between £300 and £600 per year.

Tackle Fuel Poverty

The ECO4 scheme tackles fuel poverty by providing vulnerable households with access to affordable, renewable energy solutions. So families can heat their homes without financial strain.

Lower Carbon Footprint

Solar panels generate clean, renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions and climate change4. By being part of the ECO4 scheme households are contributing to the UK’s overall environmental targets.

Increase Property Value

Installing solar panels and improving your energy efficiency rating can increase your property value, it’s a smart long term investment.

How to Apply

  1. Check your eligible by contacting participating energy suppliers or local authorities.
  2. Get your home assessed for energy efficiency.
  3. If eligible a qualified installer will design a bespokesolar panel system for your home.
  4. Enjoy your new energy efficient home with lower energy bills!

Check your eligible by contacting participating energy suppliers or local authorities.

Get your home assessed for energy efficiency.

If eligible a qualified installer will design a bespokesolar panel system for your home.

Enjoy your new energy efficient home with lower energy bills!

Conclusion

The ECO4 scheme is a great opportunity for UK households to go renewable and reduce their carbon footprint. By offering free solar panels and other energy saving measures this government initiative is making big progress in tackling fuel poverty and energy efficiency across the country.

Don’t miss out on this chance to upgrade your home, save on energy bills and be part of a greener future. Check your eligibility for the ECO4 scheme today and start your journey to a more energy efficient home.

Solar Panel Installation and FAQ’s

Get Started with Solar Panels

Dive into the world of solar panel installation. Insights into flat roof setups, possible energy savings, how it works, panel options, and more.

  1. Best House Solar Panels Compared
  2. Average Solar Panel Costs
  3. What Kind Of System Do I Need?
  4. Do I Need Planning Permission in The UK?
  5. Solar Panel Sizes Explained
  6. How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
  7. How Do Panels Work?
  8. Does Solar PV Work In Cloudy Days?
  9. Improving Your EPC With Solar PV
  10. How Much Do Solar Panels Save On Your Energy Bills?
  11. Solar Inverters Explained
  12. How much electricity does a solar panel produce?
  13. Is My Roof Suitable For A System?

Best House Solar Panels Compared

Average Solar Panel Costs

What Kind Of System Do I Need?

Do I Need Planning Permission in The UK?

Solar Panel Sizes Explained

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

How Do Panels Work?

Does Solar PV Work In Cloudy Days?

Improving Your EPC With Solar PV

How Much Do Solar Panels Save On Your Energy Bills?

Solar Inverters Explained

How much electricity does a solar panel produce?

Is My Roof Suitable For A System?

Solar Panel Installation and Types

Discover how to participate in the SEG scheme. Navigate planning permissions in the UK while exploring DNO approval and more.

  1. The Process of Installation
  2. Flat Roof Solar Systems Explained
  3. In-Roof Solar Systems
  4. Free Solar Panel Installation With ECO4 Grant
  5. Solar Panels For Farm Buildings
  6. Solar Panels For Commercial Properties
  7. DNO Approval: What Is It and How Does It Work?
  8. Solar, Inverter, and Battery Packages
  9. Are Solar Roof Tiles Worth It? The Pros & Cons

The Process of Installation

Flat Roof Solar Systems Explained

In-Roof Solar Systems

Free Solar Panel Installation With ECO4 Grant

Solar Panels For Farm Buildings

Solar Panels For Commercial Properties

DNO Approval: What Is It and How Does It Work?

Solar, Inverter, and Battery Packages

Are Solar Roof Tiles Worth It? The Pros & Cons

Get panels installed in just 4 weeks

MCS Accredited

Save up to 80% on your bills

Ready for Renewable Energy?

Get your free energy assessment and discover how much you could save with solar panels, heat pumps, and battery storage.

Get Free Energy Assessment
Swipe to see more
MCS certification
NICEIC certification
Gas Safe certification
HIES certification
Which? certification
Octopus Energy certification
Swipe to see more
F-Gas certification
PAS 2030 certification
SMAS certification
IAA certification
Constructionline Gold certification