Solar panel grants in 2026: what help actually exists
There is no national solar grant for every homeowner. Who can get free panels, the 0% VAT deadline, the coming loans, and why ECO4 doesn’t fund solar.
Numbers checked against official sources on 7 October 2026
In 30 seconds
- There is no national grant for solar panels that every homeowner can claim.
- Low-income households in England may get solar panels fully funded through the council-run Warm Homes: Local Grant.
- Everyone pays 0% VAT on installed solar panels and batteries until 31 March 2027.
- Government-backed low-interest loans for solar are being set up with approved lenders.
- Many websites still promise “free solar panels” under ECO4. Ofgem says ECO4 does not fund solar, and it ends on 31 December 2026.
Search for “solar panel grants” and you will find dozens of pages promising free panels. Most are lead-generation sites, and many are out of date. Here is what support actually exists for solar panels in the UK in 2026, who can get it, and the claims to be careful about.
On this page
Solar panel support at a glance
| Support | Who | What you get | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% VAT on installation | All homes in the UK | No VAT on panels, batteries and installation | Until 31 March 2027, then 5% |
| Warm Homes: Local Grant | Low-income households in England | Fully funded upgrades, which can include solar | Run by councils |
| Warm Homes Loan Scheme | Homeowners and private landlords | Low- and zero-interest loans from approved lenders | Being set up |
| Smart Export Guarantee | Anyone with MCS-certified panels and a smart meter | Payments for electricity you export | Available now |
| ECO4 | Low-income and vulnerable households | Insulation and heating, not solar | Ends 31 December 2026 |
0% VAT: the support everyone gets
When an installer supplies and fits solar panels in your home, there is no VAT until 31 March 2027. HMRC says the rate then reverts to 5% (HMRC). On a typical £7,600 system that is worth about £380. Batteries are covered too, including ones added later. Panels you buy online and fit yourself are not.
Free solar for low-income households
The government’s Warm Homes Plan says low-income households can get solar panels and batteries fully funded, which it estimates would otherwise cost £9,000 to £12,000 (GOV.UK).
In England, the main route is the Warm Homes: Local Grant, run by councils. In Reading, for example, it funds measures including solar panels, up to £15,000 per home, for households with a gross income below £36,000 or on means-tested benefits, living in a home rated EPC D or below (Reading Borough Council). Rules differ by council, so check yours.
The government also added £100 million to the Social Housing Fund in 2026 to support up to 57,000 solar installations on social homes in England this financial year (GOV.UK). That money goes through social landlords, not to individual tenants.
Low-interest loans
For homeowners who don’t qualify for free upgrades, the Warm Homes Plan promises government-backed low- and zero-interest loans for solar panels, batteries and heat pumps. The loans will come from approved, FCA-authorised lenders; the first window for lenders to apply closed on 29 July 2026 (GOV.UK). See our Warm Homes Plan guide for the timeline.
The ECO4 “free solar panels” myth
ECO4 is an energy supplier scheme that funds improvements for low-income and vulnerable households. Ofgem’s scheme page says it runs until 31 December 2026 and funds measures like insulation and heating upgrades. It does not fund solar panels (Ofgem).
If a company says you can get free solar panels “through ECO4”, ask exactly which scheme is paying, and check it with your council or Ofgem before you sign anything.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Scotland: the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan funds heat pumps, insulation and other measures, with interest-free loans, but solar PV panels and batteries were not listed among the funded measures when we checked (Home Energy Scotland).
- Wales and Northern Ireland run their own energy efficiency schemes. We will add details once we have checked them against official sources.
“Free solar panel” offers: what to check
- Who owns the panels? Some “free” offers are rent-a-roof or lease deals, where a company keeps the panels and the income.
- Is it on your mortgage or deeds? A lease on your roof can complicate selling or remortgaging.
- Is the installer MCS-certified? Without MCS you can’t get paid for exports under the Smart Export Guarantee.
- Cold calls and pressure to sign quickly are red flags.
Paying for panels yourself? Work out the payback for your region, roof and tariff.
Open the solar calculatorFrequently asked questions
Is there a government grant for solar panels in 2026?
Not for every homeowner. Low-income households in England may get them fully funded through council-run Warm Homes: Local Grant schemes. Everyone gets 0% VAT on installation until 31 March 2027.
Can I get free solar panels through ECO4?
No. Ofgem says ECO4 funds measures like insulation and heating upgrades, not solar panels, and the scheme ends on 31 December 2026.
Are there loans for solar panels?
The Warm Homes Plan promises low- and zero-interest loans for solar, batteries and heat pumps through approved lenders. The first window for lenders to join closed on 29 July 2026, so products are still to come.
Is there VAT on solar panels?
Not until 31 March 2027 when they are installed in a home by an installer. From 1 April 2027 the rate goes to 5%.
Do I need MCS certification?
Yes, if you want to be paid for exported electricity under the Smart Export Guarantee. Use an MCS-certified installer.
Sources
- HMRC: VAT Notice 708/6
- GOV.UK: Warm Homes Plan announcement (January 2026)
- GOV.UK: £9,000 heat pump grant and Social Housing Fund (26 June 2026)
- Reading Borough Council: Warm Homes: Local Grant
- Ofgem: Energy Company Obligation
- Home Energy Scotland: Grant and Loan
- GOV.UK: Warm Homes Loan Scheme for lenders
