Domestic Home Solar Panel Grants
Domestic Solar Grants – Supporting Home Owners Across Cumbria & Lancashire
There are several solar panel grants and funding options available in the UK for domestic households in 2026. While there isn't a single nationwide grant covering all households, various schemes can help reduce the cost of installing solar panels. Below we outline the main solar grant schemes and how you can apply for them. If in doubt, just contact us for help with your research or application.
What Solar Grants Are Available?
🌱 ECO4 Scheme (Energy Company Obligation)
The ECO4 scheme is a government-backed program aimed at improving energy efficiency in homes, particularly for low-income and vulnerable households. It offers grants that can cover the full cost of solar panel installation, along with other energy-saving measures like insulation and heating upgrades.
Eligibility Criteria:
Homeowners or private tenants (with landlord consent)
Receiving certain benefits, such as:
Universal Credit
Income Support
Child Tax Credit
Housing Benefit
Pension Credit
Working Tax Credit
Households with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D to G.
*The ECO4 scheme is set to run until March 2026.
🌱 LA Flex (Local Authority Flexible Eligibility)
LA Flex allows local councils to broaden the eligibility criteria of the ECO4 scheme to include households that may not receive qualifying benefits but are still considered vulnerable or on low incomes.
This means more households can access funding for solar panels and other energy efficiency improvements.
Eligibility Criteria:
Household income under £31,000
Households with vulnerable individuals (e.g., elderly, young children, health conditions)
Properties with low EPC ratings
*Eligibility and availability vary by local authority, so it's advisable to check with your local council.
🌱 0% VAT on Solar Panel Installations
As of 2022, the UK government has reduced the VAT rate on energy-saving materials, including solar panels and battery storage systems, to 0%. This tax relief is designed to make renewable energy more affordable for homeowners, encouraging the adoption of clean energy solutions.
The 0% VAT rate applies to both the supply and professional installation of solar panels on residential properties, meaning you can save up to 20% on the upfront cost of your system. The scheme is scheduled to remain in place until March 2027, giving homeowners plenty of time to take advantage of this significant saving.
For families and individuals looking to reduce energy bills, increase energy independence, and invest in long-term sustainability, this VAT exemption makes switching to solar panels a more accessible and cost-effective choice. GlowSolar can guide you through the process, ensuring your system qualifies for the 0% VAT relief while delivering a high-quality, professionally installed solution.
🌱 Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a UK government-backed initiative that ensures households with solar panels can earn payments for any surplus electricity exported to the grid. While it’s not a grant, it provides a practical way to increase the return on investment from your solar panel system.
With SEG, your electricity supplier is required to pay you for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of excess energy your solar panels generate and send back to the grid. Payments vary depending on your chosen supplier and tariff, so it’s wise to compare rates to maximise your earnings.
Key Points:
You must have a smart meter installed to measure exported energy accurately.
Payments are made regularly, helping to offset energy costs and improve the financial benefits of your solar installation.
SEG works alongside solar battery storage, allowing you to store energy for your own use and sell only the surplus, optimising both savings and income.
🌱 Solar Together – Group Buying Scheme for Affordable Solar
Solar Together is a government-backed group-buying scheme that helps homeowners access high-quality solar panels and battery systems at competitive prices. By combining demand from multiple households in a single area, the scheme leverages economies of scale, reducing installation costs while ensuring professional, MCS-certified installations.
How It Works:
Sign Up for Free: Registration is simple, with no obligation to buy.
Receive a Personalised Quote: Once enough participants have registered, the scheme organises a competitive, transparent tender process with vetted installers.
Choose Your Installer: Each homeowner can review quotes and select the best option for their property.
Enjoy Guaranteed Quality: All installations meet high technical standards and include warranties on both panels and inverters.
Key Benefits:
Lower Costs: Bulk buying reduces the price per kWh of solar energy.
Trusted Installers: Only MCS-certified, vetted professionals are used.
Flexible Participation: You can join the scheme and choose to proceed or not after receiving your quote.
Local Support: Often run in partnership with your local council, making it easier for homeowners to access grants or incentives.
Availability:
Active in participating local authority areas across England and Wales.
Ideal for homeowners looking to reduce energy bills, improve energy independence, and invest in renewable energy with confidence.
🌱 Warm Homes: Local Grant - Free Home Energy Upgrades (Including Solar)
The Warm Homes: Local Grant is a UK government-funded scheme designed to help eligible homeowners and private renters across England improve their homes, reduce energy bills, and cut carbon emissions — all at no cost to you. Local councils administer the funding and arrange a free home survey to tailor energy-saving upgrades to your property.
If you qualify, the council may install a range of improvements such as insulation, heating controls, air source heat pumps — and importantly for solar users — solar PV panels and associated energy efficiency enhancements.
Unlike other schemes, you won’t pay for the work directly. If upgrades are agreed following your survey, the council organises and pays for them through the grant.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility depends on three main criteria:
Your home must be in England and privately owned or privately rented.
It must have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G (lower energy performance).
Your household income is usually below £36,000 per year or someone in your household receives certain means-tested benefits.
Even if your income is slightly above the threshold, you might still qualify based on postcode or benefits.
How to Proceed With Your Solar Grant
To determine your eligibility and explore the best options:
Contact Your Local Council: Inquire about participation in the ECO4 or LA Flex schemes.
Consult with Energy Suppliers: Some suppliers offer their own grants or incentives.
Reach Out to GlowSolar: We can provide guidance on available grants and assist with the application process.
By taking advantage of these schemes, you can make solar energy more affordable and contribute to a greener future.
“We don’t do hard-selling because we don’t use salesmen, we just offer honest advice to our customers and charge a fair price for the high quality solar PV installation and service you receive. When dealing with GlowSolar, you will only ever speak to one person for quotes, installation, aftercare and maintenance.”
Our Solar Services
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Solar Panels
Solar PV is a good investment. Solar gives you energy security, saving you money on your electricity bills and protecting you from inevitable future price rises from energy suppliers.
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Battery Storage
Capture and store green energy with a solar battery. Adding a solar battery array is a great way to make the most of renewable energy and increase your independence from the grid.
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Maintenance & Repairs
All electrical systems need periodic inspection and testing. Solar PV systems are no different. For PV systems mounted on buildings, the recommended inspection interval will depend on the type and use of the building.
Get A Solar Quote
Contact us for a free, no obligation quote. We will visit your property and give our expert opinion on the best solar solution. No sales patter, just honest advice.