Free Solar Panels UK: What's Actually Available in 2026
Can you still get free solar panels in the UK? Here's what's real, what's gone, and what your actual options are.
Quick Answer
True free solar panels are no longer widely available in the UK. The old rent-a-roof FiT schemes ended when the Feed-in Tariff closed in 2019. However, low-income households may qualify for funded solar through the Warm Homes Plan (which replaced ECO4 in March 2026) or the Great British Insulation Scheme, and 0% finance deals make solar accessible with no upfront cost.
Can You Still Get Free Solar Panels in the UK?
No — not in the way most people mean. Between 2010 and 2019, the UK government's Feed-in Tariff (FiT) created a “rent-a-roof” model where solar companies would install panels on your home for free. In exchange, the company kept the generous FiT payments (up to 43p per kWh in the early days) while you got to use the electricity.
The Feed-in Tariff closed to new applicants on 31 March 2019. With it, the financial incentive that made free installations profitable for companies disappeared. The replacement scheme — the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) — pays far less (typically 4–15p per kWh), making the rent-a-roof model unviable.
How the old “free solar panel” model worked
- A solar company installed panels on your roof at no cost to you
- The company owned the panels and received all FiT payments (up to 43p/kWh)
- You could use the electricity generated during daylight hours for free
- The contract typically lasted 20–25 years
- After the contract, ownership transferred to you
If you already have panels under a rent-a-roof agreement, they should continue to work as agreed until your contract ends. Check your original agreement for details on maintenance responsibilities and the transfer of ownership.
How to Get Solar Panels for Free or Reduced Cost in 2026
While the old free solar panel schemes are gone, there are several legitimate ways to get solar panels at no cost or significantly reduced cost. Here are the real options available right now:
ECO4 Scheme: Fully Funded Solar Panels
Best for low-income households
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme requires large energy suppliers to fund energy-efficiency measures for low-income and vulnerable households. Solar panels are an eligible measure. If you qualify, your entire system is installed at no cost to you — and you own the panels outright from day one.
- Fully funded — no cost to you whatsoever
- You own the panels and keep all the electricity
- Can include insulation and other measures
- Available until March 2026 (likely to be extended)
- Must meet eligibility criteria (see below)
Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
Government-backed
Formerly known as ECO+, the Great British Insulation Scheme provides funding for energy-efficiency improvements including solar panels. It has slightly broader eligibility than ECO4, covering some middle-income households in Council Tax bands A to D.
- Covers solar panels and insulation measures
- Broader eligibility than ECO4
- Properties in Council Tax bands A to D may qualify
- Available alongside ECO4 — you may qualify for both
LA Flex: Local Authority Discretionary Funding
Varies by council
Local authorities can set their own eligibility criteria under the LA Flex framework. This allows councils to refer households that don't meet the standard ECO4 benefit criteria but are still considered fuel-poor or vulnerable. Contact your local council to check availability.
- Household income under £31,000 may qualify
- Criteria set by your local council
- Designed to help fuel-poor households
- Can cover full cost of solar installation
0% VAT on Solar Panels
Available to everyone
Since April 2022, residential solar panel installations are zero-rated for VAT. This applies to all homeowners regardless of income, effectively saving you 20% on the cost of a solar system. The 0% VAT rate is confirmed until at least March 2027.
- Saves 20% on the total installation cost
- No application needed — automatically applied
- Applies to panels, inverters, batteries, and installation
- Available to all residential properties
0% Finance: No Upfront Cost
Most popular option
Many MCS-certified installers offer 0% APR finance over 5 to 12 years. You pay nothing upfront, and your monthly repayments are often less than the savings on your electricity bill — making you cash-flow positive from month one.
- £0 upfront — spread the cost over 5 to 12 years
- 0% APR means you pay no interest
- Monthly payments typically £50 to £80
- You own the panels from day one
- Keep all electricity generated and export payments
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Earn Back Money
Ongoing income
The Smart Export Guarantee requires energy suppliers to pay you for surplus electricity you export to the grid. While not a grant, SEG payments of 4 to 15p per kWh help you earn back the cost of your system over time.
- Earn 4 to 15p per kWh for exported electricity
- Available to all solar panel owners with MCS-certified systems
- Multiple tariffs to choose from — shop around
- Combines with self-consumption savings for best returns
Who Qualifies for Free Solar Panels?
The Warm Homes Plan (which replaced ECO4 in March 2026) is the main route to funded solar panels in 2026. Eligibility criteria are similar to the former ECO4 scheme:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Property Ownership | Must be a homeowner, or a private tenant with landlord's written permission |
| EPC Rating | Property must have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G (i.e. not already energy-efficient) |
| Qualifying Benefits | Must be receiving at least one: Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance (income-based), Employment and Support Allowance (income-related), Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, or Housing Benefit |
| LA Flex Alternative | If not on benefits: household income under £31,000 and referred by your local authority under the LA Flex scheme |
| Property Type | Houses, bungalows, and some flats (must have a suitable roof for solar panels) |
How to Apply
- Check your EPC rating at gov.uk/find-energy-certificate
- Contact your energy supplier to ask about ECO4 eligibility
- Or contact your local council about LA Flex referrals
- An assessor will visit your property to confirm eligibility
- If approved, an MCS-certified installer completes the work at no cost
Free Solar Panel Scams to Avoid
The phrase “free solar panels” is widely used in misleading advertising. Here are the most common scams and red flags to watch for:
"Government free solar panel" cold calls
If you receive an unsolicited phone call or door knock claiming the government is giving away free solar panels, it is almost certainly a scam. The government does not contact people directly about ECO4 or any solar scheme. Legitimate schemes are accessed through your energy supplier or local council.
Solar lease or PPA agreements disguised as free
Some companies offer "free" solar panels through a lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). You don't pay upfront, but you're locked into a 20 to 25-year contract where the company owns the panels and charges you for the electricity. You may pay more than grid electricity rates, and the panels can complicate selling your home.
Fake installers without MCS certification
Any legitimate solar installation in the UK should be carried out by an MCS-certified installer. MCS certification is required to qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee and most grant schemes. Always verify your installer's MCS number at mcscertified.com before signing anything.
Pressure tactics and “limited time” offers
Legitimate solar companies don't pressure you into signing on the spot. If someone claims the offer expires today or uses high-pressure sales tactics, walk away. Get at least three quotes from MCS-certified installers and take your time to compare.
How to Verify a Legitimate Offer
- Check the installer's MCS certification at mcscertified.com
- Contact your energy supplier directly to confirm ECO4 eligibility
- Never pay an “admin fee” or “survey fee” for a government-funded scheme
- Get everything in writing before any work begins
- Check reviews and company history on our installer directory
0% Finance vs Free Solar Panels: How Do They Compare?
For most homeowners who don't qualify for ECO4, 0% finance is the next best thing. Here's how the two options compare:
| Feature | 0% Finance | ECO4 Free Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | £0 | £0 |
| Monthly Payments | £50–£80/month (over 10 years) | None |
| Panel Ownership | You own from day one | You own from day one |
| Choice of Equipment | Full choice of panels, inverters, batteries | Limited — installer chooses equipment |
| System Size | Tailored to your needs (typically 4–6 kW) | May be smaller (often 2–4 kW) |
| Electricity Savings | All yours | All yours |
| SEG Export Payments | All yours | All yours |
| Eligibility | Credit check required | Must be on qualifying benefits or low income |
| Battery Storage | Can include battery | Rarely included |
For homeowners who don't qualify for ECO4, 0% finance is often the smarter route. You get a larger system, better equipment, and full control over the installation — all with no upfront cost.
Is Interest-Free Solar Worth It?
Yes — for most homeowners, 0% finance solar panels are worth it. The monthly repayments are typically less than the savings on your electricity bill, making you cash-flow positive from day one.
Example: £8,000 system on 0% finance
£67
Monthly repayment
(over 10 years)
£80+
Monthly electricity
savings
£13+
Net monthly saving
from day one
After the finance period ends (typically 10 years), you own the system outright and keep all savings — typically £800 to £1,000+ per year. Modern solar panels last 25 to 30 years, so you get 15 to 20 years of pure profit after the finance is paid off.
The key advantage of 0% finance over “free” ECO4 panels is choice. You pick the installer, the panel brand, the system size, and whether to include a battery. With ECO4, the scheme dictates the equipment and the installer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Solar Panels
Are government free solar panels real?
Not in the way they're advertised. The government does not give away solar panels directly. However, the ECO4 scheme (funded by energy companies, mandated by government) can fully fund solar panel installations for qualifying low-income households. If someone cold-calls you about "government free solar panels," it is likely a scam.
What benefits qualify me for free solar panels?
To qualify for free solar panels under ECO4, you need to be receiving at least one of: Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, or Housing Benefit. Your property must also have an EPC rating of D or below.
Do I keep the electricity from free solar panels?
Yes. Under ECO4, you own the panels and keep all the electricity they generate. You can also sign up for the Smart Export Guarantee to earn money for any surplus electricity you export to the grid. This is different from the old rent-a-roof schemes where the company kept the FiT payments.
Can I get free solar panels if I rent my home?
Private tenants can qualify for ECO4, but you need your landlord's written permission for the installation. Social housing tenants should speak to their housing association, as many have their own schemes. Council tenants should contact their local authority directly.
What happened to the Feed-in Tariff?
The Feed-in Tariff closed to new applicants on 31 March 2019. Existing FiT recipients continue to receive payments for the full 20-year term of their agreement. The replacement scheme is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which pays 4 to 15p per kWh for exported electricity — significantly less than the FiT's peak rates.
Are solar lease or PPA deals worth it?
Generally, no. Solar lease and Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) deals lock you into 20 to 25-year contracts where you don't own the panels. You may end up paying more for electricity than the grid rate, and the panels can complicate selling your home. 0% finance is almost always a better option as you own the panels from day one.
How much do solar panels actually cost in the UK?
A typical 4 kW residential solar panel system costs £5,000 to £7,000 including installation and 0% VAT. A larger 6 kW system with a battery costs £8,000 to £12,000. With 0% finance, this works out to £50 to £80 per month — often less than the electricity savings.
What replaced the ECO4 scheme?
ECO4 ended on 31 March 2026 and has been replaced by the Warm Homes Plan, a £15 billion programme targeting 5 million homes by 2030. Eligible households can receive grants and interest-free loans for solar panels, battery storage, insulation, and heat pumps through the Warm Homes: Local Grant (England), Warm Homes Nest (Wales), or Warmer Homes Scotland.
Can I get free solar panels?
Free solar panels through rent-a-roof schemes are largely a thing of the past. However, you may qualify for fully-funded solar panels through the ECO4 scheme if you're on certain benefits and have a low EPC rating (D-G). Local authority grants and the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) also provide free or heavily subsidised solar panels for eligible low-income households.
Who qualifies for free solar panels?
You may qualify for free solar panels if you receive benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Income Support, AND your home has an EPC rating of D or below. The ECO4 scheme and Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) fund solar installations for eligible households. Contact your local authority or an ECO4 installer to check eligibility.
Are free solar panels a scam?
Free solar panels through legitimate government schemes (ECO4, HUG2) are genuine. However, be wary of companies offering 'free solar panels' in exchange for your roof space or SEG payments — these rent-a-roof schemes often leave you with panels you don't own and can't benefit from fully. Always check the installer is MCS-certified and understand exactly what you're agreeing to.
Related Guides
Sources
- Ofgem — Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) — ofgem.gov.uk
- GOV.UK — Smart Export Guarantee — gov.uk
- GOV.UK — Great British Insulation Scheme — gov.uk
- Energy Saving Trust — Solar Panels — energysavingtrust.org.uk
- MCS — Find a Certified Installer — mcscertified.com
- GOV.UK — VAT on Energy-Saving Materials — gov.uk
Last updated: March 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
John Rooney is the founder of Solar Info and has been covering the UK solar energy market since 2023. He fact-checks all content against official MCS and Ofgem data and maintains relationships with MCS-certified installers across the UK.
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