Free Solar Panels UK 2026: Check If You Qualify for the Warm Homes Local Grant
Could you get free solar panels in 2026? For some households in England, the answer could be yes.
The government's Warm Homes: Local Grant helps eligible low-income households improve the energy efficiency of privately owned homes. Depending on your property assessment, improvements can include solar panels, insulation, smart controls and air-source heat pumps.
If your council approves the work, it normally arranges and pays for the improvements. Owner-occupiers generally do not have to pay for approved work, although landlords may need to contribute toward improvements to privately rented properties.
Use the quick eligibility checker below to see whether it is worth making an official application.
Could You Qualify for Free Solar Panels?
Answer four quick questions based on the current Warm Homes: Local Grant eligibility rules.
This is only a quick guide, not an official eligibility decision. Your council and the government application service make the final assessment.
What Is the Warm Homes: Local Grant?
The Warm Homes: Local Grant, often shortened to WH:LG, is a government-funded energy-efficiency scheme delivered through local authorities in England.
It started delivering improvements in 2025 and forms part of the wider Warm Homes Plan.
The scheme is designed primarily for lower-income households living in some of England's least energy-efficient privately owned homes.
According to the latest official government statistics published in August 2026, the scheme had reported approximately 11,250 energy-efficiency measures across around 5,470 households by the end of July 2026.
Importantly for homeowners interested in solar, solar PV was the most common measure installed, representing approximately 38% of reported installations. Battery storage represented another 18%.
Source: UK Government, Warm Homes: Local Grant statistics, August 2026 . Figures are provisional and may be revised.
Can You Really Get Free Solar Panels in 2026?
Potentially, yes.
The government states that if you qualify and your local council has funding available, the council will arrange a home survey.
That survey determines which improvements are appropriate for your property. Solar panels are one of the measures that can be recommended.
If the council agrees to the improvement, it organises and pays for the approved work.
That is why people often describe the scheme as offering free solar panels.
However, there is an important distinction: being eligible for the scheme does not guarantee that your home will receive solar panels.
The property is assessed first, and your council decides which energy improvements are appropriate.
Who Qualifies for Free Solar Panels Under the Warm Homes Local Grant?
There are several basic requirements.
1. Your Home Must Be in England
The Warm Homes: Local Grant applies to England only.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate energy-efficiency support schemes.
2. The Property Must Be Privately Owned
The property must generally be:
- owner-occupied, or
- privately rented.
If you rent privately, your landlord may be required to contribute toward some of the work.
Social housing is covered by different funding arrangements and is not normally eligible through this household application route.
3. Your EPC Must Usually Be D, E, F or G
Your home must have an Energy Performance Certificate rating of D, E, F or G.
These ratings identify homes with relatively poor energy efficiency.
Homes rated A, B or C are generally outside the main eligibility criteria because the grant is intended to improve lower-performing properties.
Don't know your EPC rating?
You can still apply. The government's guidance states that your EPC can be checked during the application process.
4. Household Income Is Usually £36,000 or Less
The current standard income threshold is generally:
However, earning more than £36,000 does not automatically mean you cannot qualify.
The government says some households with higher incomes may still be eligible if:
- they live in a qualifying postcode area, or
- someone in the household receives certain qualifying benefits.
Warm Homes Local Grant Eligibility Table
| Requirement | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Country | England |
| Property | Privately owned or privately rented |
| EPC rating | D, E, F or G |
| Household income | Usually £36,000/year or less |
| Income above £36,000 | May still qualify through postcode or benefits |
| Solar guaranteed? | No — property is assessed first |
| Owner-occupier cost | Approved work is normally council-funded |
| Private landlord | May need to contribute |
What Improvements Can the Grant Pay For?
Solar panels are only one possible improvement.
Depending on your home survey, your local authority may recommend measures including:
- Solar photovoltaic panels
- Battery storage
- Loft insulation
- Wall insulation
- Underfloor insulation
- Air-source heat pumps
- Smart heating controls
- Other eligible energy-efficiency improvements
The exact package will depend on your property rather than simply which technology you prefer.
Are Solar Batteries Included?
Battery storage is being installed through the scheme in qualifying projects.
In fact, the government's August 2026 statistics show that batteries accounted for approximately 18% of reported Warm Homes: Local Grant measures.
A battery can store surplus solar electricity generated during the day so that it can be used later in the evening.
If you're considering storage, see our detailed guide:
If you're considering battery storage alongside solar panels, read our complete guide: What Size Solar Battery Do I Need in the UK? 2026 Guide
How Many Solar Panels Could You Get?
There is no single number of panels provided through the scheme.
The appropriate solar system depends on factors including:
- roof size
- roof orientation
- shading
- household electricity consumption
- panel wattage
- technical suitability
A larger home does not automatically require more panels, and the largest possible solar system is not always the best design.
For a complete explanation, read:
Not sure what size solar system your home might need? Read our guide: How Many Solar Panels Do I Need in the UK? 2026 Guide
Do Solar Panels Work in Cloudy UK Weather?
Yes.
Solar panels generate electricity from daylight rather than needing continuous direct sunshine.
Output normally falls during heavily overcast conditions, but panels continue generating electricity whenever sufficient daylight is available.
For a detailed look at UK weather, winter output and cloudy-day generation, see our guide: Do Solar Panels Work on Cloudy Days in the UK? 2026 Guide
How to Apply for the Warm Homes Local Grant
The application process is relatively straightforward.
Step 1: Use the Official Government Service
Go to the official GOV.UK Warm Homes: Local Grant application service.
Avoid websites that charge you simply to check whether you qualify. The government eligibility service itself is free.
Step 2: Provide Your Household Details
You'll be asked for information that helps determine whether your household and property meet the scheme criteria.
This may include details about:
- your address
- property ownership
- household income
- benefits
- your property's energy performance
Step 3: Your Council Reviews the Application
If the initial application indicates that you may qualify, your local authority will normally contact you for further information.
The government says councils will usually contact applicants within 10 working days.
Step 4: A Home Survey Is Arranged
Eligibility alone does not determine the exact work carried out.
A home survey assesses the property and identifies suitable energy-efficiency improvements.
This is the stage at which solar panels may be recommended.
Step 5: Approved Improvements Are Installed
If measures are approved, the local authority organises the work using appropriate installers.
The council pays for agreed measures for qualifying owner-occupiers. Private landlords may be asked to make a contribution.
Does My Council Participate?
Coverage is now extensive.
The government's August 2026 statistics state that 74 projects involving 271 local authorities had received funding, covering more than 97% of eligible local authorities in England.
That means the scheme has very broad geographic coverage, although funding availability and delivery can still vary locally.
You can see the government's current list of participating authorities here:
Warm Homes Local Grant — participating local authorities
Can Renters Get Free Solar Panels?
Private tenants can potentially qualify because privately rented homes are included in the scheme.
However, the landlord must be involved and may have to contribute toward the cost of some improvements.
You should therefore not arrange work yourself based solely on the eligibility checker.
Apply through the official service and allow your local council to explain the process for your property.
What If I Earn More Than £36,000?
Do not automatically assume you're excluded.
£36,000 is the normal household-income threshold, but the government provides additional eligibility routes.
You might still qualify if:
- you live in a particular eligible postcode area, or
- someone in your household receives certain benefits.
Because these conditions are more specific, use the official application service to check rather than relying only on the income figure.
What If I Don't Know My EPC Rating?
You can still apply.
The government specifically states that if you don't know the home's EPC, it can be established as part of the application process.
You therefore do not need to abandon your application simply because you cannot find an existing certificate.
Are Free Solar Panels Available in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?
The Warm Homes: Local Grant itself is only available in England.
Residents of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland need to check the energy-efficiency schemes available through their respective governments.
So if you're searching for free solar panels UK 2026, remember that the eligibility rules in this guide specifically describe the English Warm Homes: Local Grant.
How Much Could Solar Panels Save You?
The amount depends on your system size, electricity consumption, generation, electricity prices and how much solar electricity you use inside your home.
A household that uses a large proportion of its solar generation directly may reduce grid electricity purchases more than a household that exports most of its generation.
Use our free calculator to explore different assumptions:
Estimate Your Solar Savings
Calculate estimated annual production, first-year savings, payback period and 25-year solar ROI.
Open the Solar Savings Calculator →Warm Homes Local Grant vs Buying Solar Yourself
If you qualify for grant-funded solar, the financial calculation can be very different from purchasing a solar system yourself.
| Warm Homes Local Grant | Private Purchase | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront solar cost | Potentially council-funded | Paid by homeowner |
| Income criteria | Yes | No |
| EPC criteria | Usually D–G | No grant requirement |
| Choice of system | Based on council assessment | Chosen by homeowner |
| Solar guaranteed? | No | Yes, if you purchase it |
Can You Also Earn Money From Exported Solar Electricity?
Households with eligible solar installations may also be able to receive payments for electricity exported to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee.
SEG is separate from the Warm Homes: Local Grant.
The amount paid depends on the electricity supplier and export tariff.
So grant-funded solar can potentially reduce electricity purchases while surplus electricity may also have export value, subject to eligibility and tariff conditions.
Free Solar Panels vs Plug-In Solar Panels
Another option attracting attention in 2026 is plug-in solar.
These are much smaller systems designed to provide a limited amount of electricity compared with a conventional rooftop installation.
If you don't qualify for the grant or want to explore a smaller, lower-cost solar option, read: Plug-In Solar Panels UK 2026: Rules, Cost & Savings
Other Solar Grants and Incentives Available in 2026
The Warm Homes Local Grant is not the only form of solar support. Different incentives operate in the UK and internationally.
Our updated guide explains several current schemes and also identifies older incentives that are no longer available:
5 Government Solar Incentives & Rebates Still Available in 2026
Important: Avoid “Free Solar Panel” Scams
Government support can attract misleading advertising.
Be cautious if someone:
- guarantees that every household qualifies
- asks for an unusual upfront payment simply to check eligibility
- claims solar panels are guaranteed before a property assessment
- pressures you to sign immediately
- pretends to be the government without directing you to an official source
For the Warm Homes Local Grant, start with the official GOV.UK application service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get free solar panels in the UK in 2026?
Some households in England can potentially receive council-funded solar panels through the Warm Homes: Local Grant. Eligibility does not guarantee solar panels because your home must first be assessed to determine which improvements are suitable.
What income do I need to qualify?
Household income normally needs to be £36,000 per year or less. However, some households earning more may still qualify through certain postcode areas or qualifying benefits.
What EPC rating do I need?
The property must generally have an EPC rating of D, E, F or G.
Can private renters apply?
Yes. Privately rented homes can qualify, although the landlord may need to contribute toward some improvement costs.
Can homeowners apply?
Yes. Owner-occupied private homes are included in the scheme if the other eligibility requirements are met.
Are solar panels definitely included?
Solar PV is an eligible measure and is currently the most commonly reported measure under the scheme. However, it is not guaranteed for every applicant. Your home survey determines which improvements are appropriate.
Can I get a solar battery as well?
Battery storage is being delivered through the scheme in eligible cases. Government statistics published in August 2026 show batteries represented around 18% of reported measures.
Is the scheme available throughout the UK?
No. The Warm Homes: Local Grant is specifically an England scheme. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland operate separate support arrangements.
How long does the application take?
The government says your local council will usually contact you within 10 working days after an application to obtain additional information and arrange the next steps where appropriate.
Do I need to know my EPC before applying?
No. If you do not know your home's EPC rating, the government states that this can be established when you apply.
Final Thoughts: Should You Apply?
If your household appears to meet the criteria, it is worth checking.
The Warm Homes: Local Grant is a real government-backed scheme being actively delivered across England, and solar is not a minor part of it.
The latest government figures show that solar PV accounted for 38% of reported installations, making it the most common measure delivered through the programme as of the August 2026 statistics.
The basic questions to ask yourself are:
- Do I live in England?
- Is my home privately owned or privately rented?
- Is the EPC rating D, E, F or G?
- Is household income £36,000 or less?
- If income is higher, could I qualify through benefits or postcode?
If several of those answers are yes, use the official government service to obtain a definitive eligibility assessment.
Check Your Official Eligibility →
Last reviewed: September 2026. Eligibility requirements, local funding and government schemes can change. Green Energy Today recommends checking the official GOV.UK service before making financial or installation decisions.
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