Renewable Energy Grants
Grants and funding available for solar, heat pump, battery storage and EV charging installations across the UK. Includes BUS, ECO4, SEG and devolved nation schemes.
National Programmes
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
MCS-certified solar up to 5 MW, choose from participating suppliers
3-15p/kWh for exported electricity
Solar
0% VAT on Energy Efficiency
Residential properties in England, Scotland, Wales. Extended to March 2030.
Saves ~£1K-2.5K on typical install
Solar
EV Chargepoint Grant (Renters/Flats)
Renters and flat residents only. Homeowners NOT eligible since March 2022.
£350 per socket, up to 2 sockets
EV Charging
Grants by Region
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides upfront grants to help homeowners in England and Wales replace fossil fuel heating with low-carbon alternatives. You can get £7,500 towards an air source heat pump, £7,500 towards a ground source heat pump, or £5,000 towards a biomass boiler. The property must have an existing EPC and the installer must be MCS-certified.
What is the ECO4 scheme?
ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) is a government scheme that requires large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements for low-income and vulnerable households. It can cover insulation, heating upgrades, and solar panels. Eligibility is based on receiving certain benefits or living in a low-income area.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
The SEG requires licensed electricity suppliers to pay small-scale generators for the renewable electricity they export to the grid. If you have solar panels or other eligible technology up to 5MW, you can earn money for surplus energy. Rates vary by supplier — typically 3-15p per kWh.
Are there solar panel grants available in the UK?
There is no direct government grant for solar panels for most homeowners. However, you can benefit from the SEG for exported energy, 0% VAT on residential solar installations (until March 2027), and the ECO4 scheme if you qualify. Some local councils offer additional support.
Do I need MCS certification for my installer?
MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certification is required for your installer if you want to access the Boiler Upgrade Scheme or the Smart Export Guarantee. MCS ensures your installation meets quality standards. You can check the MCS Installer Finder to verify an installer's certification.
Are there grants in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland?
Yes. Scotland offers the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme (up to £7,500 grant + £7,500 loan for heat pumps). Wales has access to BUS and the Nest scheme for low-income households. Northern Ireland has the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP). Each nation has different eligibility criteria.
Is there VAT relief on renewable energy installations?
Yes. Since April 2022, residential installations of solar panels, heat pumps, insulation, and battery storage qualify for 0% VAT in the UK. This applies to installations in residential properties and is currently set to run until March 2027, after which the rate will return to 5%.