The catch, explained

Free Solar Panels UK 2026: What Is the Catch?

Can you get free solar panels in 2026? Usually only through ECO4, which runs until 31 December 2026, or Warm Homes: Local Grant in England. Both target low-income homes, and neither guarantees solar: the funder decides which measures to pay for after an assessment.

Funding amount

Solar might be funded for eligible homes, in full or in part. The funder decides, and under ECO4 you may be asked to contribute.

Eligible if

Someone in the home gets Universal Credit, Pension Guarantee Credit, Pension Savings Credit, Income Support, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Child Benefit (income limits apply) or Housing Benefit
Owner-occupied home rated EPC D to G
Privately rented home rated EPC E to G, with the owner's permission
A participating council can also refer some low-income households or people whose health is made worse by a cold home (ECO4 Flex)
Warm Homes: Local Grant (England): EPC D to G, household income usually £36,000 or less, where the council takes part

Not eligible if

Eligibility does not guarantee installation, or solar panels in particular
Homes rated EPC A to C
The Great British Insulation Scheme ended on 31 March 2026

Step by step

How the application works

ECO4

There is no single application form. Contact your local council, if it takes part, or any obligated energy supplier.

Warm Homes: Local Grant

In England, apply at gov.uk/apply-warm-homes-local-grant. Your council then contacts you if your area takes part.

Paying yourself instead

Home solar panels and batteries carry 0% VAT until 31 March 2027, then 5%. We quote every line up front.

Frequently asked

FAQs

Is "free solar" really free?

Sometimes, for eligible homes, but it is never guaranteed. Under ECO4 the supplier decides which measures to fund and you may be asked to contribute. Be wary of "free solar" offers outside these schemes: they are often leases or deals where the company keeps the export income.

How do I apply?

For ECO4, contact your council or any obligated energy supplier. For Warm Homes: Local Grant in England, apply on gov.uk. Check anyone who contacts you directly with the council or supplier they claim to represent.

What's the catch?

Eligibility is not a promise of solar panels. The funder decides which measures suit the home after an assessment, and only agree to work once you have a contract.

Check your eligibility

10-minute phone call to confirm. No obligation if you're not eligible. We handle the application end-to-end.

Check Eligibility Call 07460 473299

Where to go next

On the commercial side, commercial solar installation.
Already have panels that are underperforming? solar panel maintenance.
Ready to move from reading to quoting? a new solar panel system.
Adding storage is usually the bigger lever: solar battery installation.

Is your system worth upgrading? Find out free.

Tell us your postcode and what you have. A real engineer reviews it and comes back within one working day with an honest answer — including when the answer is "leave it alone".