Can I get free solar panels through the Warm Homes Plan?

Potentially, yes. The Warm Homes Plan includes solar panels as an eligible measure for qualifying households. Eligibility is primarily based on household income (typically under £36,000 household income or receiving means-tested benefits) and the energy efficiency rating of your home (EPC D or below). Contact your local council or an approved installer to check your eligibility.

Who is eligible for the Warm Homes Plan?

Eligibility criteria include: (1) Receiving means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance; or (2) Having a household income below £36,000; and (3) Living in a home with an EPC rating of D, E, F or G. Social housing tenants may also qualify through a landlord obligation route.

Does the Warm Homes Plan cover all of England?

The Warm Homes Plan covers England and Wales. In Scotland, the equivalent scheme is the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme. In Northern Ireland, the Affordable Warmth Scheme applies. Each devolved nation runs its own version of the programme with slightly different eligibility criteria.

How do I apply for Warm Homes Plan funding?

Applications are processed through your local council or an approved installer. You can check eligibility via the government's Simple Energy Advice service or contact your energy supplier directly. Midland Solar can assess your eligibility and handle the application process on your behalf if you qualify.

What if I don't qualify — are there other solar grants available?

If you do not meet Warm Homes Plan criteria, you may still qualify for 0% VAT on solar panel installation (applicable to all residential installations), the Smart Export Guarantee for export income, and some local authority grants. Midland Solar can advise on all available incentives specific to your circumstances.

Warm Homes Plan 2026 | Free Solar Panels for Eligible Households

Q: What is the Warm Homes Plan?

The Warm Homes Plan is the UK government's flagship energy efficiency scheme for 2025–2028, replacing the previous ECO4 scheme. It aims to upgrade 5 million homes with insulation, heat pumps, solar panels and other energy-saving measures. The scheme is primarily targeted at low-income households and those in fuel poverty.

Check your eligibility today

Midland Solar can assess whether your household qualifies for Warm Homes Plan funding and handle the application on your behalf. Call us on 01827 218833 or request a free eligibility check.

What is the Warm Homes Plan?

Launched in 2025, the Warm Homes Plan is the UK government's largest ever home energy efficiency programme. With a budget of £13.2 billion over three years, it aims to upgrade 5 million homes with insulation, solar panels, heat pumps, and other energy-saving measures. It replaces the ECO4 scheme and forms the centrepiece of the government's fuel poverty strategy.

For Midlands homeowners, the Warm Homes Plan could cover the full cost of solar panel installation — typically worth £6,000–£10,000 — if your household meets the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

Likely to Qualify

Receiving Universal Credit
Receiving Pension Credit
Household income under £36,000
EPC rating D, E, F or G
Income-related ESA or JSA recipient
Child Tax Credit recipient

Value of Upgrades

Solar panels: up to £10,000
Loft insulation: up to £2,500
Wall insulation: up to £6,000
Air source heat pump: up to £8,000
Multiple measures: up to £15,000 total
No repayment required if criteria met

How to Apply

1

Check Eligibility

Use the Simple Energy Advice tool on gov.uk or call Midland Solar to check your eligibility quickly over the phone.

2

Property Assessment

An approved assessor visits your property to check its current energy efficiency and identify which measures are most suitable.

3

Receive Quote & Apply

If eligible, Midland Solar will submit the Warm Homes Plan application on your behalf and handle all the paperwork.

4

Installation

Our MCS certified engineers install your solar panels. The scheme covers the full cost if you meet the criteria.

What If I Don't Qualify?

If your household does not meet Warm Homes Plan criteria, solar panels are still an excellent investment. Consider:

0% VAT — all residential solar installations qualify for zero VAT, saving typically £500–£1,200 upfront
Smart Export Guarantee — earn payments for every unit of electricity you export to the grid (currently 3–15p/kWh)
0% APR finance — Midland Solar offers interest-free finance to spread the cost over 3–5 years
Local authority grants — some Midlands councils offer additional support, particularly for rural properties

Frequently Asked Questions

Check Your Eligibility for Free

Our team can quickly assess whether your household qualifies for Warm Homes Plan funding and guide you through the application.

Check My Eligibility 01827 218833

All Solar Grants Smart Export Guarantee Savings Calculator

Warm Homes Plan 2026 — Solar Panels & Eligibility