Solar panel grants: Available UK schemes in 2024

What Are Solar Panel Costs UK With The Government Solar Panel Grants?

• With the ECO4 scheme you can get free panels.

• With Solar Together you can save up to 25% on a system

• With the HUG2 scheme you could get up to £10,000 towards a system

• With the Home Energy Scotland Grant you could get up to £6,000 towards a system

• With the Welsh Government Warm Homes scheme you could get a free system

• With VAT reductions, you could pay 0 vat on solar panels.

How can I verify my eligibility for the ECO4 Government scheme solar panels?

If you’re on any type of benefits or government support and your home has a low EPC rating, you could qualify for free government scheme-funded solar panels.

It is intended for people who have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of D or lower. It also targets families with low incomes and other disadvantaged individuals who receive government help, such as income support or child benefits.

If you receive any of the following benefits, you could qualify: 

• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)

• Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)

• Income Support (IS)

• Universal Credit (UC)

• Housing Benefit

• Working Tax Credit (WTC)

• Child Tax Credits (CTC)

• Pension Credit Guarantee

• Pension Credit Savings Credit

Visit our page on the ECO4 scheme to find out more and check your eligibility.

How can I get 0% VAT for solar and batteries?

Enquire with any solar installer and get 0% VAT on panels and storage batteries in 2024.

Starting in February 2024, you can benefit from 0% VAT on standalone batteries.

This limited-time opportunity allows you to enjoy reduced costs, making the transition to solar energy even more cost-effective. Make the most of this promotion to enhance your energy efficiency and contribute to a sustainable future.

This reduced cost is currently 0% until March 31, 2027, and applies to the delivery and fitting of solar energy systems on residential properties in England, Scotland, and Wales.

This decreased VAT rate is part of the UK government's efforts to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.

Solar Together

Solar Together is a collective purchase scheme for solar panels that operates in the UK's local government neighbourhoods. It aims to make solar electricity more accessible and cheap to homes and small businesses.

The programme brings together homeowners and local governments to form a collective purchasing club for solar panels. Interested parties sign up, and solar panel vendors compete for the privilege to install their panels for the group. This usually results in a competitive installation cost, which is cheaper than what an individual family might be offered.

Once a winning supplier has been chosen, registered participants will receive a personalised suggestion customised to their individual requirements. They can then select whether or not to proceed with the installation.

Home Upgrade Scheme (HUG2)

The HUG2 project has been in operation since April 2023 and will accept applicants until March 2025. It assists low-income families by providing payments of up to £10,000 for solar panels and other energy-efficient home renovations.

Landlords who own four or fewer properties are eligible. Landlords must pay one-third of the total cost for any renovations.

To be eligible, you must:

• Reside in a property that’s a domestic off-gas grid dwelling with an EPC rating of band D or lower

• Have a combined gross annual income of under £31,000, which must be verified, 

or

• Be located in an economically deprived neighbourhood (based on data drawn from the Indices of Multiple Deprivation)

Solar Panel Cost Calculator

Empower yourself with a tool that estimates the potential costs, savings, and break-even periods associated with solar panel installations. The calculator introduces an element of customization, allowing homeowners to tailor financial projections based on individual circumstances.

How accurate are the estimates provided by the solar panel cost calculator?

The estimates provided by the solar panels calculator are based on data from various sources, including the UK government, the Energy Saving Trust, and Ofgem. While costs are estimated and based on a UK average, they provide a useful indication of potential expenses.Other Funding Avenues & Green Deal Loans

Explore alternative avenues for funding solar panel installations, such as financial incentives offered by private organizations. Initiatives like Barclays Greener Homes, Lloyds Bank Eco Home Reward, and Halifax Green Living Reward offer Green Deal loans.

These loans are often low to no interest and can help you access home improvements.

Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales

Not every grant is available for you depending on your location. While specific grants for solar panels in Scotland might be limited, residents can leverage schemes like the Home Energy Grant and Loan Scheme and ECO4. In Wales, the Warm Homes Nest Scheme offers free advice, and eligible households could receive financial help for solar panel installation. Although Northern Ireland lacks specific grants, savings are possible through the zero per cent VAT scheme and the Barclays Greener Home Reward.

What alternative schemes exist for solar support in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales?

In Scotland, residents can benefit from schemes like the Home Energy Grant and Loan Scheme. In Wales, the Warm Homes Nest Scheme provides financial help for solar panel installation. In Northern Ireland, homeowners can save through the zero per cent VAT scheme and the Barclays Greener Home Reward.

Expired Grants and Unveiling Future Opportunities

While several solar panel grants have expired, recognizing their historical impact is essential. Additionally, current opportunities, such as the ongoing Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and the Zero VAT scheme, showcase the ever-evolving landscape of solar support.

What are the current tariffs under the SEG scheme?

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) offers tariffs ranging from 1p to 24p per kWh for excess electricity generated by solar panels. These tariffs are set by individual energy suppliers.

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): An ongoing scheme ensuring fair payments for excess electricity generated, introduces a degree of unpredictability with potential savings ranging from 1p to 24p per kWh.

How do I apply for the SEG scheme?

To apply for the SEG scheme, you need to contact a supplier offering SEG tariffs. The energy suppliers providing these tariffs are listed on the Ofgem website.

Can I qualify for ECO4 if I rent my home?

Yes, you can qualify for ECO4 even if you rent your home. The primary focus of the grant is on homes occupied by their owners, but it also extends support to energy inefficient social housing and privately rented residences, provided the property owner permits works to take place.

Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) and LA Flex: Navigating Complexity

Delve into the intricacies of ECO4 and LA Flex, where eligibility extends to low-income households facing fuel poverty, properties with heating challenges, and vulnerable residents. The complexity lies in satisfying these multifaceted criteria, making informed decisions vital for potential beneficiaries.

Are there specific conditions for private tenants to qualify under LA Flex?

Private tenants can be eligible under LA Flex, with their landlords' permission. The conditions typically include low-income status, risk of fuel poverty, hard-to-heat property, and vulnerability (e.g., elderly, disabled, or having young children).

Navigating Your Solar Expedition with Confidence

Armed with insights into solar panel costs, government grants, and the intricacies of diverse schemes, homeowners can embark on their solar expedition confidently. The ever-changing landscape of solar support demands a nuanced understanding, ensuring each step is taken with informed decisions and a commitment to sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions.