Solar Panels For Charities
VAT Exemption on Panels and Batteries in Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire
Charities in the UK can now benefit from 0% VAT on solar panels and battery storage systems installed on buildings used solely for charitable purposes - a tax relief designed to make renewable energy more affordable for organisations doing good. This zero-rating applies automatically when the equipment is supplied and installed by the same MCS-registered installer, with no forms to complete.
0% VAT on Solar Panels and Battery Storage for Charities
Introduced in February 2024 as part of the government’s energy-saving materials relief, the 0% VAT rate applies until 31 March 2027, after which it is scheduled to return to a reduced rate (likely 5%).
To qualify, the solar system must be installed on a building used primarily for charitable purposes (not commercial activities), such as community centres, village halls, care facilities, or similar properties.
For charities, this VAT exemption can reduce upfront costs by up to 20%, making solar and battery-backed systems significantly more affordable — allowing you to redirect savings into your core mission, lower energy bills, and reduce your carbon footprint.
GlowSolar can help you take full advantage of this opportunity, guiding you through system design, eligibility criteria, and installation - ensuring you save money while powering your charity with clean, renewable energy.
Why Work with GlowSolar?
At GlowSolar, we have years of experience working with charities across Cumbria, Lancashire, and North Yorkshire. We understand the energy demands of small, medium and large properties and can:
Design and install a bespoke solar and battery system
Provide full feasibility reports
Offer detailed, grant-compliant quotes
Guide you through the application process
Whether you run a smaller local charity or have a large property owned by a national charity, we’ll help you unlock the full benefits of solar -combining lower energy bills, smarter energy use, and reduced carbon output.
“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.
FAQs For Charities
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Yes. Most UK charities can benefit from 0% VAT on solar panels and battery storage when installed on buildings used solely for charitable purposes. The system must be supplied and installed by the same provider to qualify.
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Savings depend on your building size and energy usage, but many charities reduce electricity bills by 50–80%. Larger systems can also generate income through exporting surplus energy.
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Yes. Batteries can also qualify for 0% VAT and allow you to store excess solar energy for use in the evenings or during peak-rate periods - increasing savings and resilience.
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Installations are typically completed within a few days and planned around your operational needs to minimise disruption.
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Yes. Through schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), charities can receive payment for surplus electricity exported to the grid.
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Yes, funding is often available depending on your location and building type. Options may include local authority grants, community energy funds, National Lottery funding, or regional decarbonisation schemes. Availability changes regularly, so it’s important to check current programmes.
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In most cases, yes. The 0% VAT on solar installations for charities is separate from grant funding, meaning you may be able to reduce upfront costs further by combining both.
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There are alternative finance options such as power purchase agreements (PPAs), community share funding, green loans, or staged payment plans. These allow charities to install solar with little or no upfront cost.
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Often, yes. Demonstrating a commitment to carbon reduction and long-term sustainability can strengthen grant applications and align with many funders’ environmental priorities.
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Yes. We can provide feasibility studies, energy forecasts, carbon savings data, and technical documentation to support grant applications and trustee approval decisions.
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Very little. Panels are designed to be self-cleaning in the rain, and occasional inspections keep them running efficiently.
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GlowSolar offers a five year, insurance-backed warranty on workmanship, in addition to each solar panel and battery manufacturer’s product warranties. Support is always available for repairs or replacements.