The Free Solar Panel Grant is part of the UK Government’s ECO4 scheme (Energy Company Obligation), running until March 2026. It enables eligible households to receive fully funded installations of solar PV systems often completely free alongside other energy-saving upgrades. Panels harness sunlight to generate electricity, reduce bills, and may even earn through the Smart Export Guarantee when excess energy is sold back to the grid
Most frequent questions and answers
To qualify, you must:
Be a homeowner or private tenant (with landlord consent) in England.
Live in a property with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G.
Receive income-based benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Housing Benefit. Alternatively, you may qualify if your household income is under approximately £31,000–£36,000 annually.
Potentially qualify through Local Authority FLEX (LA Flex) programs based on low income, health vulnerabilities, or poor property energy efficiency.
Full installation costs, including materials and labor.
Battery storage (optional).
Insulation and other energy-saving measures (optional).
0% VAT on installation.
There are no upfront costs for eligible households.
Reduce your energy bills by generating your own electricity.
Improve your EPC rating, enhancing property value and energy efficiency.
Earn income through the Smart Export Guarantee by selling excess energy back to the grid.
Lower your carbon footprint, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Complete an online eligibility check.
If eligible, schedule a free home survey.
An ECO-approved installer will assess your property and energy needs.
Upon approval, the installer will manage the full installation, including any additional energy-saving measures.
