Complete guide to available grants, schemes, and funding options for solar panels across Birmingham, Leicester, Coventry, and the wider Midlands region.
Multiple grants and schemes are available for Midlands homeowners looking to install solar panels in 2026. The landscape of solar funding has evolved significantly, with a mix of automatic savings, income-based support, and ongoing payment schemes that make solar panels more accessible and financially attractive than ever.
The right scheme for your property depends on several factors including your household income, current energy efficiency rating, property type, and whether you own your home or rent. Some schemes, like the 0% VAT saving, apply automatically to all residential installations. Others, such as the ECO4 scheme, require eligibility assessments and formal applications.
At Midland Solar, we help you navigate the application process for all available grants and schemes. Our team handles the paperwork, eligibility assessments, and submissions, ensuring you access maximum funding for your installation. We are MCS-certified installers, which is a requirement for most government schemes and guarantees.
Since 1 April 2022, the UK government removed VAT from solar panel installations on residential properties. This means instead of paying 20% VAT on your solar system, you pay 0%. For a typical £8,000 installation, this saves you £1,600 automatically.
Extended to 31 March 2027: The government has confirmed this 0% VAT rate continues until at least 31 March 2027, giving homeowners certainty for planning installations.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme is a government programme requiring large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements for qualifying households. The scheme primarily funds insulation measures, but solar panels can be included for properties meeting specific criteria.
Parts of Handsworth, Sparkbrook, Aston, Erdington, and Perry Barr with high concentrations of eligible households.
Areas including Foleshill, Wood End, Hillfields, and parts of Radford with significant ECO4 eligibility.
Highfields, Braunstone, New Parks, and Beaumont Leys areas show strong eligibility for ECO4 funding.
Camp Hill, Stockingford, and Abbey Green neighbourhoods with qualifying households for ECO4 support.
ECO4 applications must be made through approved installers like Midland Solar. The process involves:
Call Midland Solar on 01827 218833 for a free ECO4 eligibility check.
The Smart Export Guarantee requires licensed electricity suppliers to pay you for surplus solar electricity you export back to the grid. This provides ongoing income throughout your solar panel's 25+ year lifespan, improving your return on investment significantly.
Stable fixed rate with reliable payments
Available to British Gas customers
Competitive rate for EDF customers
Standard SEG rate for all customers
Earnings based on 4-15p per kWh export rate. Actual earnings depend on your household consumption patterns and chosen SEG tariff.
Requirements: MCS-certified installation and smart meter. Midland Solar handles SEG registration as part of our complete installation service.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides £7,500 grants for air source heat pump installations and £6,000 for ground source heat pumps. Whilst this isn't directly a solar grant, combining heat pumps with solar panels creates an exceptionally efficient renewable energy system for your home.
Scheme runs until 2028: The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is funded until 2028 with increased funding allocations, making now an excellent time to upgrade your heating system alongside solar installation.
Birmingham's climate action programme offers advice, support, and potential funding for renewable energy installations.
Learn MoreCounty-wide programme supporting residents with energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades.
Learn MoreEnvironmental initiatives including support for solar panel installations and energy efficiency measures.
Learn MoreRegional programme funding renewable energy projects across the West Midlands metropolitan area.
Learn MoreNote: Local council schemes change frequently and may have limited funding. Contact your local authority directly or call Midland Solar on 01827 218833 for the latest information on council grants in your area.
| Grant Scheme | Combine With | Income Requirements | Property Requirements | EPC Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% VAT | All schemes | No limit | Residential only | Any rating |
| ECO4 | Cannot combine with other grants for same work | Under £31k or means-tested benefits | Owner-occupier or private tenant | D or below preferred |
| Smart Export Guarantee | All schemes | No limit | Any with solar | Any rating |
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme | Can combine with solar grants | No limit | Owner-occupier | Any rating |
We assess which grants and schemes you qualify for based on your property and circumstances, ensuring you access maximum funding.
Our team handles all paperwork, submissions, and communications with grant providers and energy suppliers on your behalf.
As MCS-certified installers, we ensure your installation meets all requirements for government schemes and guarantees.
Grant applications can be complex, with different schemes having varying eligibility criteria and documentation requirements. Midland Solar simplifies this process by managing everything for you. From initial eligibility assessment through to post-installation certification, our team ensures you receive all available funding and support.
Get a free grant eligibility assessment and discover how much funding you could receive for your Midlands solar installation.