Access UK Government Grants for Solar Power Installation

Eligibility for solar panel grants in the UK varies by scheme. Generally, homeowners, landlords and sometimes tenants with landlord permission can qualify. Many schemes prioritize low-income households, properties with poor energy efficiency ratings (EPC D or below), or those receiving certain benefits. Use our eligibility checker to see which grants you might qualify for.

A typical UK household can save between £300-£700 per year on electricity bills with solar panels, depending on system size, energy usage patterns, and location. When combined with battery storage, savings can increase as you'll use more of your generated electricity. Additionally, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allows you to earn money by selling excess electricity back to the grid.

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is a government scheme that obligates larger energy suppliers to deliver energy efficiency measures to domestic premises. Running until March 2026, it primarily focuses on helping low-income, fuel-poor households and those living in energy-inefficient homes with insulation improvements and heating system upgrades, including solar panel installations.

The full process from application to installation typically takes 4-8 weeks. The actual installation usually only takes 1-2 days for a standard residential system. This timeline includes grant application approval, technical survey, system design, scheduling, and installation. Weather conditions and local authority requirements may affect this timeline.

Yes, solar panels work effectively in the UK climate. While they generate more electricity on sunny days, modern panels still produce significant energy on cloudy days through diffuse light. UK solar installations typically generate about 75-80% of their electricity between April and September, but continue producing throughout the year.

Solar panels require minimal maintenance. They're generally self-cleaning with rainfall, but an occasional cleaning (1-2 times per year) may improve efficiency, especially in areas with high pollution or bird activity. It's recommended to have a professional inspection every 4-5 years to check electrical components and connections. Most systems include monitoring so you can check performance.