Can You Get Free Solar Panels in the UK?

Some lower-income households can get solar panels fully funded through government-backed schemes, but most people cannot. Offers of free solar from private firms usually carry a catch, such as a lease or a roof rental. Check what is open for your address with GOV.UK and your council before you agree to anything.

What changed in 2026

The government published its Warm Homes Plan on 21 January 2026. It promises no-cost home upgrades for lower-income households, backed by £5 billion of public money, according to MCS. It also announced zero and low-interest loans for small-scale renewables, which could help a wider range of homes.

Meanwhile, the older ECO4 scheme was due to run until 31 December 2026 with no new funding, as MCS reported. Because of this, the support for low-income households is in transition. Details and dates can change, so read the latest Warm Homes Plan page on GOV.UK before you rely on any grant.

Who might qualify

Schemes for free upgrades focus on households with low incomes or certain benefits. Many target homes that are hard to heat. Because rules differ between schemes, we cannot give a single checklist. Your council’s energy team can tell you which schemes cover your address.

Delivery is usually through local authorities or approved scheme providers. Be wary of anyone who contacts you out of the blue and says you qualify, because scams exist. Instead, start with your council or an official site.

Scotland and Wales

Support differs by nation, since each government runs its own schemes. In Scotland, Home Energy Scotland advises on grants and loans, but the rules have changed several times. Ask what covers solar today, and whether solar must come with another measure such as a heat pump. See our guides to solar panels in Glasgow and solar panels in Edinburgh.

In Wales, Nest is the Welsh Government’s scheme. It gives free advice to anyone. Eligible households can also get free improvements, and solar panels can be part of a package, although not for everyone. Read more in our guide to solar panels in Cardiff.

“Free solar” offers from private firms

Many adverts promise free panels, yet in most cases the panels are not free. Instead, the firm may keep ownership of the system, charge a monthly fee, or take the export income. Some deals also involve a lease or a legal agreement tied to your roof.

Ask for the full contract before you sign. Check who owns the panels, what you pay each month, what happens if you sell the house, and what the firm charges if you leave early. Because these terms can last for decades, take legal advice if anything is unclear. Our guide to comparing solar quotes shows how to compare offers fairly.

Cheaper routes that are real

If you do not qualify for a grant, other help still exists. VAT on installation in Great Britain is 0% until 31 March 2027. Low-interest loans were announced in the Warm Homes Plan, so check the terms when they open.

Export income also helps, because spare power earns money. Under the Smart Export Guarantee, suppliers pay for the spare power you send to the grid. Our guide to selling electricity back to the grid explains how it works. You can see typical prices in our guide to how much solar panels cost.

Rented homes and landlords

Tenants cannot fit panels without the owner’s permission. However, a landlord can fit them, and some schemes help landlords of lower-income tenants. If you rent, ask your landlord about grants. If you own a rented home, check the rules before you apply.

How to check a scheme

Follow four steps. First, find the scheme on GOV.UK or a government site for your nation. Second, read the eligibility rules. Third, apply through your council or the official route. Fourth, make sure that any installer is MCS-certified, because many schemes ask for it. Our page on MCS-certified installations explains how to check.

If you decide to pay privately, our guide on whether solar batteries are worth it also helps you decide on extras, since a battery adds cost. For other northern cities, see solar panels in Newcastle.

Sources

• GOV.UK: Warm Homes Plan
• MCS: Warm Homes Plan key takeaways for small-scale renewables
• Welsh Government: Nest
• GOV.UK: VAT on energy-saving materials (Notice 708/6)

Not sure what applies to you? Use our contact form and we will pass your enquiry to MCS-certified installers who cover your area.