The UK Government has announced £15 billion of funding through the Warm Homes scheme.
But can you actually get free solar panels?
For some households, the answer may be yes. However, this support is not likely to apply to everyone.
The scheme is mainly aimed at low-income households, social housing, and homes with poor energy efficiency. For most homeowners, it probably will not mean a free solar panel system.
So, before waiting for a grant or clicking on a “free solar panels” advert, it is worth understanding how the funding works.
What Is the Warm Homes Scheme?
The Warm Homes scheme is designed to improve the energy efficiency of UK homes.
The funding may support upgrades such as insulation, heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage.
However, the £15 billion figure is not one single pot for free solar panels.
The money is split across several areas. This includes support for low-income households, heat pump grants, devolved governments, heat networks and future green finance.
As a result, not every homeowner will be able to apply for the same type of support.
Who Could Qualify?
The main support is likely to focus on households that need help the most.
This may include households with a combined income of £36,000 or less. It may also include people on means-tested benefits.
Your property may also need a poor EPC rating.
An EPC is an Energy Performance Certificate. It shows how energy efficient your home is.
Homes rated D or below are more likely to be targeted because they need more improvement.
Will You Automatically Get Solar Panels?
No, not always.
The scheme is designed to improve energy efficiency in the most cost-effective way.
For one home, that may mean solar panels. For another, insulation or a heat pump may be more suitable.
Therefore, even if you qualify for support, you may not automatically receive solar panels or battery storage.
This is important to know before applying.
What About Green Finance?
Green finance may be more relevant for many homeowners.
This part of the scheme is expected to help reduce the cost of borrowing for home energy upgrades.
In simple terms, you may still need to pay for solar panels, battery storage or a heat pump. However, the government could help reduce the interest cost.
This may make monthly payments more affordable.
The full details are not confirmed yet, so it is worth keeping an eye on future updates.
Should You Wait?
Some people may choose to wait for green finance.
That could make sense if you need finance and are not ready to install yet.
However, waiting is not always the cheapest option.
Solar panels and battery storage currently benefit from 0% VAT in many home installations. As things currently stand, this is due to rise to 5% VAT in April 2027.
So, it is worth comparing the full cost before deciding to wait.
Check Your Mortgage Provider
Some mortgage providers already offer support for green home upgrades.
This may include lower-interest borrowing or cashback for solar panels, battery storage, heat pumps or insulation.
Not every lender offers this. Also, not every homeowner will qualify.
However, if you own your home and have a mortgage, it is worth checking.
This is not financial advice. You should speak to your mortgage provider or a qualified adviser before making a decision.
Be Careful With Free Solar Panel Adverts
There are lots of adverts online promising free solar panels.
Some may relate to real schemes. However, many are simply lead generation adverts.
This means the company collects your details and may sell them to installers.
Before filling in a form, check who is behind the advert. Also check whether they are an actual installer and whether the scheme is clearly explained.
If something sounds too good to be true, it usually needs a closer look.
What Should Landlords Know?
The Warm Homes scheme also links to EPC changes for rental properties.
In future, rented homes are expected to need a higher EPC rating.
This could mean some landlords need to improve their properties with insulation, heating upgrades, solar panels or other energy efficiency measures.
If you are a landlord, it is worth checking your EPC rating early.
How to Check a Solar Installer
Before choosing a solar installer, do your own checks.
Make sure they are MCS certified. This is important for installation standards and export payments.
You should also check whether they are registered with NICEIC or NAPIT.
Also look at reviews, warranties and the products being installed.
A good installer should explain the system clearly. They should also be honest about savings, payback and any limitations.
Is Solar Still Worth It?
For many homeowners, solar panels are still worth considering.
This is especially true if you use a lot of electricity, have suitable roof space, or want to reduce reliance on the grid.
Battery storage can also help you use more of the electricity your system generates.
The key is to get proper advice.
Do not base your decision only on a grant headline. And do not rush into a “free solar panels” advert without checking the details.
A good solar system should be designed around your home, your usage and your long-term plans.
If you are thinking about solar panels, battery storage or home energy upgrades, Apex Doma can help you understand what is suitable for your property.
Warm Homes Grants FAQs
Some eligible low-income households may be able to receive fully funded home upgrades, and this could include solar panels where suitable.
However, most homeowners are unlikely to qualify for completely free solar panels. The scheme is expected to focus on households in fuel poverty, low-income families and properties with poor energy efficiency.
Eligibility depends on the specific scheme, your income, benefits status, property type and EPC rating.
Support is likely to focus on households with a combined income of £36,000 or less, people receiving certain means-tested benefits, and homes with an EPC rating of D or below.
The Warm Homes Plan is part of the Government’s wider move away from previous energy bill levy-funded schemes such as ECO4.
The aim is to fund home energy improvements through wider public investment rather than adding certain costs directly onto energy bills.
It may be difficult to qualify for full grant funding if you are not on benefits or do not meet low-income criteria.
Future green finance options may be more relevant for households that do not qualify for free upgrades but still want help spreading the cost of solar panels, battery storage or heat pumps.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides grant support for eligible homeowners installing heat pumps.
It is not a solar panel grant, but it forms part of the wider move towards cleaner home energy and lower reliance on fossil fuel heating.
It depends on your circumstances.
Future green finance may help some homeowners access lower-cost borrowing, but the full details are not yet confirmed. You should also consider current installation costs, available VAT relief, your energy usage and how much you could save by installing sooner.
Yes, the Government intends for privately rented properties in England and Wales to reach a minimum EPC rating of C by 2030, subject to rules and exemptions.
This could increase demand for insulation, heating upgrades, solar panels and other energy efficiency improvements in rental properties.
Solar panels can improve an EPC rating, but the result depends on the property.
EPC assessments consider several factors, including insulation, heating, glazing and renewable technology. Solar may help, but it should be considered as part of the wider property assessment.
