Solar Panel Grant
Looking into solar panels but unsure where to start or whether they’re even affordable?
You’re not alone. Many UK households are turning to renewable energy but don’t realise that government-backed grants can cover the full cost of installing solar panels, especially under schemes like ECO4.
At Free Energy Savings, we help homeowners, landlords, and tenants access free or heavily subsidised solar panel installations, all fully managed by our team from eligibility to install.
Apply Now For A Free Solar Panel Grant
Fill out the form below to take advantage of our free solar panel grant.
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3 Step Eligibility Process
Complete Online Form
Fill out our quick online form to apply for your solar panel grant.
Get a Survey
Schedule a free home survey to assess your current heating system and energy needs
Get a Solar Panels Grant
Receive a grant for a brand new, energy-efficient solar panels at no cost.
Who Qualifies for a Solar Panel Grant?
Not sure if your household qualifies for a grant? You’re not alone.
There’s a lot of confusion around who gets what, especially when it comes to something as valuable as a free solar panel installation. The good news? If your home is less energy efficient and someone in the household receives certain benefits, you may qualify for full funding under the ECO4 scheme.
ECO4 Scheme
This is the main route to free solar panels in the UK. To qualify, you’ll typically need:
- Someone in the household on means-tested benefits (like Universal Credit, Pension Credit, ESA, JSA, Child or Working Tax Credit)
- A property with an EPC rating of D–G
- A low-income household, even if not receiving benefits, in some LA Flex areas
If eligible, ECO4 can cover the full cost of installation, including panels, scaffolding, labour, and materials, with nothing to repay.
“A family in Nottingham with a 20-year-old boiler and EPC rating of E had solar panels installed fully funded under ECO4. Their electricity bill dropped by over £600 a year.”
LA Flex (Local Authority Flexibility)
Even if you’re not on benefits, you might still be eligible under LA Flex, which lets councils approve funding for borderline or vulnerable households.
This is especially useful for:
- Households just above benefit thresholds
- People with long-term health conditions made worse by a cold home
- Pensioners or low-income families who don’t qualify through standard routes
Other Support Routes
If you don’t qualify for ECO4 or LA Flex, there are still options that can help reduce costs or offer long-term savings:
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Earn money back by selling unused electricity to the grid
Regional or community schemes: Some councils offer separate local funding or top-ups
Solar Panel Grant Schemes Comparison
| Scheme | What It Offers | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| ECO4 | Full solar panel funding (if eligible) | Low-income / benefits households |
| LA Flex | Council-approved funding for borderline cases | Vulnerable or near-threshold homes |
| SEG | Ongoing payments for exported electricity | All households with solar panels |
Where Do You Fit?
You don’t need to know the ins and outs of every scheme, that’s where we come in. At Free Energy Savings, we check which pathway you qualify for and guide you through the process, with minimal paperwork on your end.
What Is a Solar Panel Grant?
If you’ve heard the phrase “free solar panels” and thought it sounded too good to be true; you’re not alone.
But under current UK government schemes like ECO4, many households can get solar PV panels installed at no cost, or at least with a significant discount. It’s all part of the push toward a low-carbon future and helping people cut rising energy bills.
So, What’s the ECO4 Scheme?
ECO4 is short for the Energy Company Obligation (Phase 4); a government-backed programme requiring large energy companies to fund home improvements for those most in need.
The focus? Helping low-income households and people on means-tested benefits make their homes more energy-efficient. That includes things like insulation, upgraded heating systems and yes, solar panels.
If your home qualifies, the grant can:
- Cover full or partial installation costs
- Include scaffolding, labour, and materials
- Be combined with other upgrades (like insulation or a heat pump)
It’s not a loan. There’s nothing to repay. It’s support designed to help you use less energy, lower your bills, and reduce emissions.
Other Grant Options
While ECO4 is the main route for free solar panels, there are other options worth knowing about:
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) – Lets you earn money by exporting surplus electricity back to the grid
- Local Council Schemes – Some regions offer extra funding through community energy projects
Even if you’re unsure whether you qualify, it’s worth checking. Our advisors will walk you through what’s available; no jargon, no pressure.
Why Solar Panels Are Important
There’s a reason more and more UK homes are turning to solar and it’s not just about going green.
For many households, installing solar panels is one of the most practical ways to take control of rising energy bills. With a well-sized system, you can power your home during daylight hours using your own electricity and sell any extra back to the grid.
The Benefits Add Up Quickly
- Lower electricity bills: Many households save £300–£800+ per year, depending on usage and roof size
- Reduced reliance on the grid: Less worry about future price hikes
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Get paid for the electricity you don’t use
- Long-term performance: Most panels last 25–30 years with minimal upkeep
- Improved EPC rating: Great if you plan to sell or rent in future
And while it’s true the UK isn’t exactly known for sunshine, modern panels still work efficiently even on cloudy days.
“Think solar panels only work in summer? Modern systems generate electricity year-round, even in winter.”
Better for the Environment, Too
Solar power is clean, renewable, and carbon-free. Installing panels can cut over a tonne of CO₂ emissions per year, which adds up fast over a couple of decades.
Plus, solar panels pair well with other upgrades like:
- Air source heat pumps
- Loft or wall insulation
Battery storage systems (store excess electricity for evening use)
How Much Can You Save With Solar Panels?
It’s the question most people care about: how much will you actually save?
The answer depends on a few things (roof size, how much electricity you use, whether you’re home during the day), but even with a modest system, solar panels can significantly cut your electricity bills.
Typical Annual Savings
Here’s what a typical UK household might save each year by installing solar panels:
- Detached home: £500–£800+
- Semi-detached: £350–£600
- Terraced or bungalow: £250–£400
And that’s before factoring in any income you might get from selling your unused electricity through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
“A semi in Birmingham with a 3.5kW system cut their bills by around £550 a year and earned an extra £90 through SEG payments.”
Long-Term Impact
Over time, the savings add up, especially as energy prices keep rising.
With panels that last 25–30 years, you could see lifetime savings of £10,000–£20,000+, depending on your home and energy usage.
Even better: once the system is installed, you don’t need to do anything. The savings happen in the background, quietly cutting your bills every single day.
What’s Included in the Solar Panel Grant?
If you’re wondering what “fully funded” actually covers: it’s a fair question.
With ECO4 and similar schemes, the grant isn’t just for the panels themselves. It covers the entire installation process, so you’re not left dealing with hidden costs or bits you have to sort out yourself.
Here’s what’s typically included:
A Free Home Survey
A qualified surveyor visits your property to check things like:
- Roof suitability (angle, shading, size)
- Your home’s current energy usage
- EPC rating and upgrade opportunities
Supply & Installation of Solar Panels
If your home qualifies, the grant will cover:
- High-efficiency solar PV panels
- All labour, scaffolding, wiring, and materials
- Installation by MCS-certified installers only
“Not sure if your roof is suitable? That’s exactly what the free survey checks, and if it’s not, we’ll let you know up front.”
Full Support & Aftercare
From start to finish, everything is taken care of, including:
- All ECO4 paperwork and compliance checks
- System warranties and handover information
- Ongoing support if anything needs attention
Types of Solar Panels
Not all solar panels are the same and you don’t need to become an expert overnight. That’s what our surveyors are here for.
But if you’re curious, here’s a simple breakdown of the main types of panels used in UK homes:
Monocrystalline Panels
- Highest efficiency (great for smaller roofs)
- Sleek, all-black appearance
- Long lifespan, often 25+ years
- Slightly higher upfront cost, but better performance over time
“Most homeowners go for monocrystalline panels — especially if roof space is limited. You get more energy per square metre.”
Polycrystalline Panels
- Slightly lower efficiency
- More affordable option
- Typically blue-toned in colour
- Still a solid choice for larger roof spaces or tight budgets
Thin-Film Panels
- Lightweight and flexible
- Less common in domestic installs
- Can work well for unconventional roofs or specific applications
So, Which Type Will You Get?
It depends on your home. During your survey, we’ll recommend the most efficient system based on:
- Your roof’s size, shape, and orientation
- Your energy usage patterns
Available funding and grant coverage
Can I Get a Solar Panel Grant If I Already Have Panels?
It’s a common question, especially as more households installed solar panels back when FIT tariffs were available. So, what if you already have a system?
Generally, ECO4 Focuses on New Installations
The ECO4 scheme is primarily aimed at homes without existing solar panels. The goal is to help households who haven’t yet had access to renewable energy cut their energy bills.
So if you already have panels, you likely won’t qualify for another full installation under ECO4.
That said…
You Might Still Be Eligible for:
- Battery Storage Add-Ons: In some cases, battery systems can be added to store your excess electricity, especially if it’s part of a wider home upgrade.
- System Upgrades or Extensions: If your original setup is outdated, underperforming, or limited in capacity, there may be options to expand it, particularly if you’re also applying for other measures like insulation.
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): If you’re not already signed up, you could still earn from exporting surplus electricity to the grid, regardless of when your system was installed.
“An older 2kW system might not meet today’s energy needs, especially with more devices and home working. In some cases, funding may help improve what you’ve already got.”
Our Application & Installation Process
One of the most common worries people have is that applying for a grant will be complicated or time-consuming.
We get it, but with Free Energy Savings, it isn’t.
We’ve streamlined the entire process so you’re not chasing paperwork, installers, or updates. Here’s how it works:
Six Simple Steps
- Check Your Eligibility
Start online or over the phone, it only takes 60 seconds. We’ll ask a few basic questions to see which schemes you might qualify for. - Book Your Free Home Survey
If you’re eligible, we’ll arrange for a qualified energy assessor to visit your home. They’ll check your roof, EPC rating, and energy usage to confirm what’s possible. - We Handle the Application
We submit your application through the relevant grant scheme (like ECO4 or LA Flex) and manage all the paperwork for you. - Installation Day
Once approved, our certified installers carry out the work, usually within a day or two. We only use trusted, MCS-certified teams with plenty of experience. - Final Checks & Sign-Off
After installation, we carry out quality assurance checks and make sure everything’s running as it should. - Warranties & Aftercare
You’ll receive all documentation, warranties, and guidance on how to get the most from your system. And if you need help later? We’re still here.
“The whole process, from check to install, usually takes 3–6 weeks. We’ll keep you updated at every step.”
Why Choose Free Energy Savings?
There are a lot of companies talking about solar grants, but not all of them actually help you secure the funding and see it through to installation.
At Free Energy Savings, that’s exactly what we do.
We specialise in helping UK households access fully funded solar panel installations through ECO4 and other schemes. And we’ve built our service to make the process as simple and transparent as possible.
Why People Choose Us
- Experts in ECO4 & Renewable Funding
- Nationwide Coverage
- Fast-Track Applications
- No-Obligation Surveys
- Certified Installers Only
- Ongoing Support
“Think of us as your energy grant advisor: here to make the whole process easier, from start to finish.”
Ready to Apply for a Solar Panel Grant?
Switching to solar panels isn’t just about saving money, it’s about making your home more efficient, more comfortable, and better prepared for the future. With government support through ECO4, households across the UK now have a clear route to renewable heating without facing huge upfront costs.
At Free Energy Savings, we make the process simple. From eligibility checks to installation and aftercare, our team manages everything. You won’t be left chasing paperwork or wondering what comes next.
If you’ve been thinking about renewable heating but assumed it was too expensive or complicated, now’s the time to take another look. The funding is real, the technology works, and thousands of households are already seeing the benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes
If you meet the eligibility criteria (such as receiving certain benefits and living in an energy-inefficient home), the ECO4 scheme can fully fund your solar panel installation, including the equipment, scaffolding, and labour.
There’s nothing to repay, and no catch, it’s part of the government’s plan to reduce energy bills and lower carbon emissions.
Yes.
While ECO4 is mainly for people on means-tested benefits, the LA Flex route gives local councils the flexibility to approve funding for non-benefit households.
This might apply if:
- You’re on a low income but not receiving benefits
- You have a health condition made worse by cold homes
- You’re over a certain age or have young children in the home
It’s always worth checking, we’ll assess all possible routes for you.
It depends on your home, but here’s a rough guide:
- Detached home: £500–£800+
- Semi-detached: £350–£600
- Terraced/flat: £250–£400
Plus, if you sell unused electricity back to the grid via the Smart Export Guarantee, you could earn even more.
Over the lifespan of the system (25–30 years), total savings can reach £10,000–£20,000+.
Yes, they still generate electricity even on cloudy days.
While output is lower in the winter months due to shorter daylight hours, modern solar panels are designed to work year-round, even in the UK’s famously unpredictable weather.
Most modern systems last 25 to 30 years and many keep working well beyond that.
They’re built to withstand the elements and require very little upkeep. Some come with warranties of 20–25 years for added peace of mind.
Very little.
Solar panels have no moving parts, so they’re low maintenance. In most cases, rain does the job of keeping them clean, though you might occasionally want a professional clean if there’s heavy dust, bird mess, or moss build-up.
Your system will also come with warranties and performance guarantees, so you’re covered if anything goes wrong.
Not very.
Most solar panel installations are completed in 1–2 days, depending on the size and roof access. Scaffolding goes up a day or two before, and once the work is done, it’s taken down quickly.
Yes, both can.
- Landlords can apply for ECO4 funding for their rental properties, especially if tenants are on qualifying benefits.
- Tenants can also start the process, but the landlord will need to give consent for the work to go ahead.
Yes, through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
If your solar panels generate more electricity than you use, you can export the surplus back to the grid and get paid for it by your energy supplier.
You’ll need a smart meter and a SEG-compliant supplier, but we’ll explain how it all works during your install.
Almost always.
Solar PV systems are classed as a renewable energy improvement and can boost your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, often moving it up a full band.
This can increase property value and make it easier to sell or rent.
Absolutely.
Many ECO4 installs are part of a package of home improvements, especially for homes with low EPC ratings. That might include:
- Loft or wall insulation
- Air source heat pumps
- Heating controls or boiler upgrades
Combining upgrades improves efficiency and often increases the funding support available.
The panels stay with the property and that’s actually a good thing.
Homes with solar panels tend to sell faster and at a higher value, especially with rising energy costs. Plus, a better EPC rating can be a major selling point.
You won’t take the panels with you, but you will take the benefits while you’re there.
What Our Customers Have To Say
Read More Of Our Reviews On Trust Pilot
We’ve had some bad experiences with installers in the past, but Free Energy Savings was a breath of fresh air. They were helpful and patient, answering all of our questions about the ECO4 scheme and making sure we understood how it worked. The installation was done quickly and professionally, and the team was extremely respectful of our home.
- Jessica B
We were a bit unsure about how the ECO4 grant worked, but Free Energy Savings made everything so simple. The team explained every detail of the grant and the benefits from a new boiler installation. When it came time for the installation, they arrived right on schedule and worked hard to get everything set up. What impressed me most was the attention to detail….
- Amelia L
Free Energy Savings exceeded all of our expectations. From the moment we contacted them, they were responsive and informative. The team helped us through the paperwork for the ECO4 grant, which was a big help since we had no idea where to start. The installation crew was friendly, professional, and fast. It’s been a couple of months now, and we’re already…
