Is there a UK government grant I can claim directly?

No. There's no universal cash grant for solar in 2026. The closest things are ECO4 (supplier-funded, low-income) and the Home Energy Scotland Loan (Scotland only). The 0% VAT applies universally and is the largest single saving for most households.

Can I combine multiple schemes?

Yes — 0% VAT applies regardless. ECO4 and Home Energy Scotland support generally cannot be stacked on the same measure, but you can pair either with SEG and council top-ups.

Do I have to repay an ECO4 install if I sell?

No. ECO4 measures are not a charge on the property and don't need repaying. Keep the certificates for the buyer's solicitor.

Solar panel grants & schemes (UK 2026)

Six routes to cutting the upfront cost of a UK solar install in 2026 — and the ones that look like grants but aren't.

0% VAT — the only universal one

Until 31 March 2027, residential solar PV (and batteries fitted at the same time, or retrofitted from Feb 2024) is zero-rated for VAT. Your installer applies it directly — there's no application. On a £7,000 install that's a £1,400 saving versus the pre-2022 standard rate.

ECO4 — for low-income households (England, Scotland, Wales)

ECO4 is a supplier-funded scheme delivering free or heavily subsidised energy upgrades, including solar PV in some cases, to households on qualifying benefits or in EPC band D–G. It's not a cash grant — your installer claims the value from an obligated energy supplier.

Eligibility hinges on receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, or being referred via a council 'flexible eligibility' route (LA Flex). The scheme's closing date has been extended following a government consultation — check gov.uk for the current end date before applying.

Home Energy Scotland Loan (Scotland)

An interest-free loan for solar PV, with a separate allowance for battery storage, available to Scottish owner-occupiers and private landlords. Loan caps and repayment terms are set by the Scottish Government and change periodically — check the current figures at homeenergyscotland.org before applying. A separate cashback grant may be available for households on qualifying benefits.

Nest scheme (Wales)

Free home energy improvements — including solar PV in qualifying cases — for low-income Welsh households, delivered by the Welsh Government via British Gas. Applies in EPC bands E–G; income or benefits criteria apply.

Smart Export Guarantee — not a grant but treated like one

SEG isn't a grant; it's a legal obligation on large suppliers to pay you for surplus electricity exported to the grid. The best 2026 rates reach up to 25p/kWh but are tied to installing with that supplier; the best rate open to any household regardless of installer is 6p/kWh (Scottish Power SmartGen). Applying takes 10 minutes once your install is MCS-certified.

Schemes that aren't really grants

Be careful with: 'free solar' rent-a-roof deals (you don't own the panels, they can complicate resale), 0% interest finance (still a loan, often hides product markup), and council 'solar together' bulk-buy schemes (good prices, but the discount comes from volume, not subsidy).

Frequently asked questions

Is there a UK government grant I can claim directly?: No. There's no universal cash grant for solar in 2026. The closest things are ECO4 (supplier-funded, low-income) and the Home Energy Scotland Loan (Scotland only). The 0% VAT applies universally and is the largest single saving for most households.
Can I combine multiple schemes?: Yes — 0% VAT applies regardless. ECO4 and Home Energy Scotland support generally cannot be stacked on the same measure, but you can pair either with SEG and council top-ups.
Do I have to repay an ECO4 install if I sell?: No. ECO4 measures are not a charge on the property and don't need repaying. Keep the certificates for the buyer's solicitor.