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Solar energy has taken the world by storm, and the UK is no different. The UK is already well on its way in the renewable energy journey, with its trillionth kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity being generated by renewable sources in 2023—enough to power UK homes for 12 years. While solar energy is a sustainable and cost-effective solution to generate electricity, homeowners might get discouraged because of the relatively large initial investment. That is where solar panel grants for homes come in handy. These grants give financial assistance to homeowners and renters who want to invest in solar panels. Let’s explore some options that you may be eligible for, and how to apply for them in 2024.
1. Understanding the benefits of solar panel grants
Solar panel grants are the reason why many households in the UK can afford and invest in solar energy. They help you reduce the upfront costs of installing solar panels, making it easier for homeowners to transition to clean energy and reduce their carbon footprint. Solar panel grants can also lead to long-term savings. Solar energy allows you to reduce your reliance on the grid—leading to significant cost savings over time. Additionally, with the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme, you can sell excess electricity back to the grid, giving an avenue for additional income. Solar panel grants for homes also contribute to the overall goal of transitioning into more renewable energy sources in the future. By encouraging homeowners like you to get into solar energy, these grants support the government’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy sources.
2. Exploring solar panel grants for homes in the UK
Here are some of the solar panel grants and schemes available in 2024 to help homeowners reduce the cost of installing solar panels.
Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4)
This scheme offers free solar panels to qualifying households, helping mitigate upfront costs. It’s available for homes in England, Scotland, or Wales, and eligibility is determined by local authorities. The scheme runs from April 2022 to March 2026.
Solar together
This is an ongoing scheme for homeowners and renters living in a participating council area. The savings vary but previous participants have made savings of 10–25%.
Home Upgrade Scheme (HUG2)
This scheme is for low-income households and off-grid, low-energy efficiency-rated properties. It runs from April 2023 to March 2025. It is local authority dependent, but households could receive up to £10,000.
Home Energy Scotland Grant and loan schemes
This scheme is ongoing and available for all households in Scotland. Households could receive up to £6,000.
0% VAT discount
Everyone in the UK can benefit from a 0% VAT discount and there’s no need to apply. This scheme expires on 31st March 2027.
Social housing PPA schemes
This scheme is for the installation of solar panels in social housing.
In addition to these schemes, some financial institutions also offer loans specifically for renewable energy projects. These can also help you manage the upfront costs of solar panel installations but remember to consider the different loan options, interest rates, and repayment terms to find the best fit for your needs.
3. Understanding the eligibility criteria for solar panel grants
Not everyone is eligible for every scheme described above. You have to meet certain criteria to qualify for the grants. Firstly, you must be a homeowner or a renter in the UK—or in some cases, live in a social housing situation. In addition, the property should also have a suitable roof for solar panel installation. This means it should be unshaded and ideally facing south, southeast, or southwest to maximise sun exposure. There may also be income restrictions for solar panel grants for homes. The exact limits can change depending on the specific grant scheme, but generally, they are designed to target households with lower incomes. This is done to make sure that those who would benefit the most from financial assistance receive it. It’s also worth noting that some grants may require you to meet certain energy efficiency standards before being eligible. This is to ensure that your home is optimised for energy efficiency, maximising the benefits of solar panel installation.
4. Finding solar panel grants
Finding solar panel grants may seem like too much work but there are some steps you can follow to find grants that you are eligible for. As the first step, you can do some research online—visit government websites, energy-saving organisations, and environmental agencies to learn more about applicable grant schemes. You can follow this up by contacting local councils and community organisations to find available grants and funding options. Another option is to simply join Solar Save Club—where our expertise will come into play in not just finding you a reliable solar installer but also a solar installer that will help you with grant schemes.
5. Applying for solar panel grants
Once you find grants that you are eligible for, you can start applying for them. This may seem like a complex process but here’s how you can ease into it.
Gather necessary documentation
Each grant application will require specific documents, like proof of ownership, energy efficiency certificates, and income statements. Collect all these documents in advance to avoid delays or issues when applying.
Complete the application form
Carefully fill out the application form, providing accurate and detailed information—and remember to double-check all the information you provide to ensure accuracy.
Submit your application
Once you have completed the application form and gathered all the necessary documentation, submit your application before the deadline. Ensure you have included all required attachments.
Follow up
After submitting your application, it’s important to follow up with the grant provider to confirm the submission and figure out the status of your application. This will help you stay informed throughout the process.
6. Taking advantage of solar panel grants for a sustainable future
Since the UK government has already set plans to generate 70% of all our energy through renewable sources by 2030, solar panel grants are more commonplace than ever.
Understanding their ins and outs such as their benefits, eligibility for application, and how to take advantage of the financial assistance they offer will allow you to get the most out of it.
You can also get in touch with us, Solar Save Club, and find reliable solar installers in your area to take advantage of these grants. Click here to get started.
7. FAQs
What are the top solar panel grants available in the UK in 2024?
The top grants include the Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4), Solar Together, Home Upgrade Scheme (HUG2), and Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan Schemes.
How can I apply for these solar panel grants?
You can apply by visiting the respective scheme’s website or contacting the scheme provider directly.
Are there any financial benefits of installing solar panels?
Yes, installing solar panels can lead to potential annual savings of around £18,096.27 over 20 years—amounting to a yearly ROI of £900.
