Are there any grants for solar panels in the UK?

There is no universal grant. Targeted support exists — supplier obligation schemes for eligible lower-income households, occasional council programmes, VAT relief on professionally installed systems and export payments through the Smart Export Guarantee. Eligibility rules are strict and schemes change, so check GOV.UK for the current position.

Can I get a grant for plug-in or balcony solar?

No. Existing support is built around professionally installed, certified systems, and plug-in solar is not yet legal to sell, supply or use in the UK. Its financial case rests on a low upfront cost and self-consumption rather than subsidy.

Are "free solar panels" offers real?

Be careful. Genuine fully-funded installations exist only under targeted eligibility schemes. Many "free solar" adverts are lead-generation forms or finance offers. If an offer can't be traced back to GOV.UK, Ofgem, a supplier or your council, treat it as marketing.

Savings & payback

Solar panel grants in the UK: what actually exists

"Solar panel grants" is one of the most-searched solar phrases in the UK — and one of the most misunderstood. There is no universal grant that pays for solar panels for everyone, and some of what is marketed as a "grant" is really a sales lead form.This guide explains what support genuinely exists, who it is aimed at, and why none of it currently applies to plug-in solar. Schemes change and have detailed eligibility rules, so always confirm the current position on GOV.UK before making decisions.

Written and edited by Christopher Panteli

Last reviewed 3 July 2026

Christopher is the founder and editor of MyPlugInSolar. He oversees the site’s research standards, data tools and editorial process. He is not an electrician or solar installer, and specialist technical claims are sourced from official documentation or reviewed by appropriately qualified professionals.

The support that genuinely exists

Support for solar in the UK comes in a few distinct forms, and none of them is a simple cash grant open to everyone:

Supplier obligation schemes (ECO): larger energy suppliers are required to fund energy-efficiency improvements for eligible households — typically lower-income or vulnerable households in less efficient homes. Solar PV can be included in some circumstances. Eligibility is strict and applications route through suppliers or councils.
Local authority schemes: councils run their own home-upgrade and group-buying programmes from time to time (collective purchase schemes can discount installed solar rather than grant-fund it). Availability varies by area.
VAT relief: professionally installed energy-saving materials, including solar panels, have benefited from a zero VAT rate — a saving on the installed price rather than money up front. It applies to installed systems, not to a kit you buy and set up yourself.
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): not a grant — it pays for electricity you export, and normally requires a certified (usually MCS) installation. See the SEG guide.

Check before you rely on any of this

Schemes open, close and change eligibility. We deliberately don't quote amounts or end dates here — check GOV.UK's energy-saving service and Ofgem for the current position.

Why plug-in solar has no grants

Every scheme above is built around professionally installed systems — usually with certification such as MCS as a condition. Plug-in solar sits outside that framework entirely: it is not yet legal to sell, supply or use in the UK, and the Government consultation on permitting it closed on 30 June 2026 with a response awaited. Until the legal position is settled, there is no route for grant support, VAT-relieved installation or export payments for a plug-in system.

One consolation: plug-in solar's appeal has never depended on subsidy. Its case is a low upfront cost paid back through self-consumption — you can estimate that for your home with the calculator.

Spotting grant myths

A genuine scheme will be traceable to GOV.UK, Ofgem, your energy supplier or your council. If you can't trace it to one of those, treat it as marketing.

"Free solar panels for everyone" — no such national scheme exists; targeted schemes have strict eligibility.
"Government solar grant — apply here" on a commercial site — often lead generation that sells your details to installers.
"Grant" that turns out to be a loan or finance deal — read what is actually being offered.
Rent-a-roof style offers — you may be giving away your roof's output; take advice before signing anything long-term.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any grants for solar panels in the UK?: There is no universal grant. Targeted support exists — supplier obligation schemes for eligible lower-income households, occasional council programmes, VAT relief on professionally installed systems and export payments through the Smart Export Guarantee. Eligibility rules are strict and schemes change, so check GOV.UK for the current position.
Can I get a grant for plug-in or balcony solar?: No. Existing support is built around professionally installed, certified systems, and plug-in solar is not yet legal to sell, supply or use in the UK. Its financial case rests on a low upfront cost and self-consumption rather than subsidy.
Are "free solar panels" offers real?: Be careful. Genuine fully-funded installations exist only under targeted eligibility schemes. Many "free solar" adverts are lead-generation forms or finance offers. If an offer can't be traced back to GOV.UK, Ofgem, a supplier or your council, treat it as marketing.

Sources

1. Find ways to save energy in your home — GOV.UK
2. Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) — Ofgem
3. Energy Company Obligation and consumer schemes — Ofgem

Estimate your solar potential

See how much electricity a small system could generate at your postcode, and the indicative bill saving.

Open the calculator