Warm Homes Plan 2026 — Solar Panels & Eligibility
The Warm Homes Plan could provide free or heavily subsidised solar panels for eligible Midlands households. Find out if you qualify and how to apply.
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 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 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 Do Not 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)
- Finance available: Midland Solar offers finance to spread the cost over 3–5 years, subject to status
- Local authority grants: some Midlands councils offer additional support, particularly for rural properties
Frequently asked questions
What is the Warm Homes Plan?
The Warm Homes Plan is the UK government 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.
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 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 receiving means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance; or having a household income below £36,000; and 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.
What if I do not 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.
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Complete solar & battery packages
Fixed prices, supply and installation included. Every package is MCS certified and comes with our 2-year workmanship guarantee.
- 3.84kW · 8 panels£5,995
- 8 × LONGi 480W all-black
- Fox ESS 3.68kW hybrid inverter
- Fox ESS EP6 — 5.76kWh storage
- 5.76kW · 12 panels£6,995
- 12 × LONGi 480W all-black
- Fox ESS 5.0kW hybrid inverter
- Fox ESS EP6 — 5.76kWh storage
- 7.68kW · 16 panels£7,995
- 16 × LONGi 480W all-black
- Fox ESS KH7 hybrid inverter
- Fox ESS EP6 — 5.76kWh storage
Upgrade any package to the Fox ESS EP12 (11.52kWh) for £995.
All package prices assume every panel fits on a single roof elevation. The price covers the cost of scaffolding to one elevation. If your roof needs scaffolding on more than one elevation, or has restricted access, that additional cost is quoted separately after survey. Prices include VAT. Domestic solar and battery storage is zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027. Subject to a free technical survey. We will confirm the final price in writing before any work is booked.