Free solar — how it works
Free Solar Panels UK 2026
"Free solar panels" in 2026 means the ECO4 scheme — solar funded by energy suppliers as part of their decarbonisation obligation. It IS genuinely free for eligible households. Here's the truth, the eligibility, and the gotchas.
Funding amount
Solar PV system fully funded if eligible (typical 3–4 kW system, value £5,500–£8,500). No payment from household required in most cases.
Eligible if
- Receiving means-tested benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, JSA, ESA, Income Support, Working/Child Tax Credit)
- EPC rating D or below
- Owner-occupier OR private tenant with landlord permission
- South / east / west facing roof, 50%+ unshaded
Not eligible if
- Households not on benefits
- Properties with EPC A, B, C
- Already-installed solar
- Tenants in council/housing association with landlord refusal
Step by step
How the application works
01
Eligibility check
Quick phone call confirms benefits status, EPC rating, and roof suitability.
02
Survey
Free remote LiDAR + on-site visit. No obligation if not eligible.
03
Funding application
We submit to energy supplier on your behalf. 2–4 week approval.
04
Install
MCS-certified one-day install once approved.
Frequently asked
FAQs
Is "free solar" really free?
Through ECO4: yes, fully funded. Avoid offers that promise "free solar" outside ECO4 — they're typically (a) lease-to-own with you not actually owning the panels, or (b) PPA agreements where the company keeps the SEG income for 25 years.
How long does it take to apply?
Eligibility check is a 10-minute phone call. Application + approval is 2–4 weeks. Install is 4–8 weeks after approval. Total 6–12 weeks.
What's the catch?
No catch if you're genuinely eligible. The energy supplier funds the work as part of their government obligation; you keep all the savings + SEG export income.
Check your eligibility
10-minute phone call to confirm. No obligation if you're not eligible. We handle the application end-to-end.