Do I Qualify For Free Solar Panels?

You can qualify for a free solar panel system in the UK, but only if you meet specific qualifying criteria. 

However, even if you don’t meet the criteria, don’t stress. There are options for everyone that can help decrease the cost of solar panel installations.

How Can You Qualify For Free Solar Panel Grants?

Free solar panel grants in the UK are designed to help low-income households access renewable energy sources more easily.

There are three main schemes that can aid in completely reducing the cost of solar panel installations.

ECO4 scheme

The ECO4 scheme is one of the most well-known schemes for solar panel funding, offering support to those who want to increase the energy efficiency of their homes.

Under this scheme, energy companies are required to provide financial support for various energy-saving measures, including the installation of solar panels.

Eligible households can receive free or heavily subsidised solar panel systems, reducing energy costs and supporting the transition to renewable energy.

To be eligible, households must receive at least one of the following benefits:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Pension Credit Savings Credit

Additionally, there are a few other criteria that may apply:

• Property types: Homes with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G are usually targeted first. Private rented properties must have an EPC rating of E, F, or G to qualify.
• Local authority flexibility (LA Flex): Local authorities have the discretion to extend eligibility under the LA Flex mechanism to households that do not receive the qualifying benefits but are still considered to be in fuel poverty or vulnerable. This includes low-income households that do not receive the listed benefits but face high energy costs as well as households with vulnerable individuals, such as age (elderly), health conditions, or disabilities.
• Household circumstances: Certain household circumstances can also make you eligible. For example, having high energy costs, but low household income with residents who are vulnerable to the effects of living in a cold home.

Once approved for the scheme, eligible households must have an assessment carried out by a qualified energy assessor before installation can commence.

Home Upgrade Grant

The Home Upgrade Grant is designed to help improve the energy efficiency of homes that are not connected to the gas grid, particularly those with low income or living in fuel poverty. The eligibility criteria for the Home Upgrade Grant scheme typically include the following:

• Income: Households with an annual income below a specific threshold, which can vary by local authority but is typically around £30,000 or less.
• EPC rating: Homes with lower energy efficiency ratings (EPC rating of D, E, F, or G) are prioritised for upgrades.
• Vulnerable households: Households with residents who are vulnerable to the effects of living in a cold home, such as the elderly, young children, or those with health conditions, may be prioritised for assistance under the scheme.

Home Energy Scotland Grant

The Home Energy Scotland Grant helps homeowners in Scotland improve the energy efficiency of their homes and reduce their carbon footprint. The scheme offers grants and loans for a variety of energy-saving materials and renewable energy installations. Here are the key eligibility criteria:

• Residency: The applicant must be a homeowner in Scotland.
• Property type: The property must be used as a residence and not for commercial purposes. The scheme typically targets existing homes rather than new builds.
• Income: While there are no specific income-based criteria for the basic grant, additional support and higher grant amounts may be available for those on lower incomes or receiving certain benefits.

In addition to grants, interest-free loans are available for eligible homeowners to cover the remaining costs of any energy efficiency measures taken. These loans have specific terms and conditions, including repayment periods and amounts that can be borrowed.

What Other Schemes Can Reduce The Cost Of Solar Panels?

There are a few other initiatives that can help reduce the cost of solar panels in the UK.

Smart Export Guarantee

With the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), homeowners can earn money back after installing solar panels.

This is a UK government initiative designed to encourage the adoption of renewable energy by homeowners and businesses. The SEG requires participating electricity suppliers to offer tariffs that pay for the excess electricity exported to the grid, with rates set by the suppliers.

This enables homeowners and businesses to earn money from their surplus renewable electricity through their preferred energy supplier, providing an incentive to invest in renewable technologies and contribute to a greener energy system. Essentially, your solar panels will pay for themselves.

Solar Together

Solar Together is a UK group-buying scheme for solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and battery storage. By purchasing solar panels collectively, buyers can access lower, more competitive prices.

To qualify for a group-buying discount, you simply have to select your local council and complete a quick registration form. The sign-up process is completely free.

Get A Solar Panel Installation Quote Today

Ready to have solar panels installed? Eco Happy provides solar panel assessment and installation services across the UK.

Our experts tailor high-quality, energy-efficiency improvements to your needs. You can contact us about anything from a renewable energy assessment to advice on managing your energy costs.

Once we establish your unique requirements and your funding is processed, our team will help you arrange and carry out the installation of your new solar panels. We’ll be here to guide you through the process from start to finish, ensuring you’re up and running sooner rather than later.

Find out more about the energy efficiency measures you could benefit from and start your journey towards lower, greener energy bills by requesting an obligation-free quote.

FAQs

What helps me get a free solar panel grant?

Key eligibility factors to qualify to install solar panels under a grant include:

• Having a household income of £31,000 or less.
• Being a homeowner or private tenant
• Having a property with an EPC grade of E, F, or G.
• Receiving benefits such as JSA, ESA, or Universal Credit.

How does solar power affect my energy bills?

One of the main reasons to switch to solar energy is that it will reduce your energy bills. As an added bonus, surplus energy can be sold back to the grid. It’s a win-win situation.

Final Thoughts

Solar panels are an easy way to transition to renewable energy, reducing your carbon footprint and lowering your energy bills.

Installing solar panels is one of the best decisions you can make for your finances and the environment, even more so if you qualify for one of these UK grants.