Best solar panel grants and incentives UK 2025
Check what support you could get in 2025 (VAT relief, SEG payments and local schemes), then compare whole-of-market solar quotes to find the right system for your home.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homeowners
- See which grants, funding and incentives may apply to your postcode
- Get matched with vetted installers and comparable quotes
- No obligation — complete the form in under 2 minutes
EnergyPlus.co.uk is a comparison service. Grant availability depends on eligibility, location and scheme rules. We’ll explain what’s typically available in 2025 and help you compare installation quotes.
Check solar incentives and compare whole-of-market quotes
In the UK, “solar grants” can mean several different things: tax relief (0% VAT), ongoing export payments (SEG), and local or devolved schemes that offer funding in certain areas or for certain households. The best route is often to confirm what support applies and then compare like-for-like installation quotes.
EnergyPlus.co.uk helps UK homeowners compare solar PV and optional battery quotes from installers across the market. We’ll also highlight the incentives commonly available in 2025 so you can ask the right questions and avoid missing out.
What you’ll get after submitting
- Comparable solar quote options (panel size, inverter type, battery add-ons)
- Installer details and next steps for a home survey
- Guidance on typical incentives in 2025 (VAT relief, SEG export payments, local funding where available)
Tip: If you already have solar, you can still benefit from SEG export payments (subject to eligibility) and may be able to add a battery to increase self-consumption.
Solar panel grants and incentives in the UK (2025)
In 2025, the “best” support for most UK households typically comes from a combination of tax relief and ongoing export payments, plus location-specific schemes where available. Below is a clear breakdown of what homeowners usually look at when searching for solar panel grants and incentives.
1) 0% VAT on solar panels (homeowners)
The UK has applied 0% VAT on eligible energy-saving materials for domestic installations, including solar PV and batteries installed with solar (subject to rules). This can reduce upfront cost versus standard VAT rates.
Ask installers to confirm that your quote is VAT-relieved and that the system components qualify for a domestic installation.
2) SEG export payments (Smart Export Guarantee)
If your solar system exports unused electricity back to the grid, you may be paid through a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff (subject to eligibility). SEG isn’t a grant — it’s an ongoing payment for exports based on your meter readings.
SEG rates vary by supplier. Many homeowners focus on self-consumption first, then treat SEG as a useful extra.
3) Local authority and regional funding
Some councils, devolved bodies and local programmes periodically offer funding for home energy upgrades (sometimes as part of wider retrofit schemes). Availability can be limited and eligibility often depends on income, EPC rating, benefits, or property type.
Use your postcode in our form above so we can flag typical routes to check in your area.
4) Finance and package deals (not a grant)
You may see “funded solar” or “pay monthly solar” offers. These are finance products, not government grants. They can still be appropriate — but compare the total repayable, ownership, maintenance and export income terms.
We recommend comparing a cash price against any finance option using the same system spec.
Important: Scheme names, budgets and rules can change. This page explains the most common routes for UK homeowners in 2025, but you should always confirm the latest eligibility criteria with the scheme administrator and your installer.
Eligibility: who can get solar incentives in 2025?
Eligibility differs by incentive type. Some support is broadly available to homeowners, while local funding can be targeted. Use this as a practical checklist before you commit to an installer.
For 0% VAT
- Domestic installation at a residential property
- System supplied and installed together by the installer
- Quote clearly shows VAT treatment
For SEG export payments
- Eligible solar PV system (often MCS-certified installation is expected)
- Export-capable meter (usually smart meter)
- Agreement with an energy supplier offering SEG
For local/regional schemes
- Often income/benefits related or EPC based
- May require specific measures first (e.g., insulation)
- Limited budgets and time windows are common
Documents and info to have ready
- Your postcode and approximate roof orientation (south/east/west)
- Recent electricity usage (kWh) or bill amount
- Whether you want a battery (and typical evening usage)
- Any shading issues (trees/chimneys) and roof material
- If applying for local support: proof requested (varies by scheme)
- If aiming for SEG: smart meter/export setup details
How to secure the best outcome (grant + quote) in 2025
Most households don’t “apply for a solar grant” in one single place. The best results come from choosing the right system spec, understanding which incentives apply, and ensuring your paperwork is correct.
- Start with your goals: lower bills, maximise self-consumption, prepare for EV charging, or increase resilience with a battery.
- Compare system specifications: panel capacity (kWp), inverter type, optional battery (kWh), and monitoring app.
- Confirm eligibility routes: 0% VAT treatment, SEG export requirements, and any local schemes for your postcode.
- Ask for like-for-like quotes: same kWp and battery size, warranties included, scaffolding and DNO application clarified.
- Check installer credentials: experience, certifications, workmanship warranty, and realistic generation estimates.
- Keep documentation: installation certificate, MCS paperwork (where applicable), and export meter details for SEG.
Comparison tip: The cheapest quote isn’t always best. In solar, the long-term value often comes from realistic performance estimates, strong warranties, and an installer who will support you after commissioning.
Solar savings, SEG payments and payback: what to expect
Savings depend on your electricity usage, how much solar you use in the home (self-consumption), your export tariff, and your system size. Batteries can increase self-consumption, but add upfront cost — so it’s worth comparing both options.
| Factor | Why it matters | What to ask in quotes |
|---|---|---|
| System size (kWp) | Bigger systems generate more, but you need roof space and suitable wiring/inverter sizing. | Total kWp, panel model, expected annual generation (kWh) and assumptions. |
| Self-consumption | Using your own solar offsets higher-rate imported electricity. | Estimated self-use %, and whether smart diverters/controls are included. |
| SEG export tariff | You may be paid for electricity you don’t use and export to the grid. | Export eligibility steps and whether your meter/export setup is compatible. |
| Battery (kWh) | Can increase self-consumption and reduce evening imports; suitability depends on household usage. | Usable capacity, warranty cycles, inverter compatibility and expansion options. |
| Warranties & aftercare | Solar is a long-term asset; workmanship and product warranties affect risk. | Panel performance warranty, inverter warranty length, workmanship cover, support route. |
How incentives improve the numbers
- 0% VAT can reduce the upfront cost immediately.
- SEG provides ongoing income for exports (rates vary by supplier).
- Local funding (where available) can reduce the initial outlay for eligible homes.
Quick self-check before you buy
- Do you use electricity during the day (WFH, heat pump, EV charging)?
- Could a battery shift solar into evenings?
- Is the quote based on realistic shading and orientation assumptions?
Regional and local schemes: what to look for
Local funding can be the most valuable support, but it’s also the hardest to generalise because it changes by area and is often time-limited. In practice, homeowners usually find local help through council-linked programmes, devolved administrations, or area-based retrofit initiatives.
England
Check council websites and local energy hubs for homeowner retrofit support. Eligibility often depends on EPC band, household income/benefits, or property suitability.
Scotland
Funding and loan schemes can be structured differently. It’s common to see programmes that support broader home energy improvements rather than solar alone.
Wales & Northern Ireland
Schemes may be administered through devolved routes and can have specific eligibility requirements. Always verify criteria and approved installer requirements before committing.
If you only do one thing
Submit your postcode in the quote form and ask each installer you speak to: “Are there any local solar or retrofit schemes active in my area right now?” Good installers usually know which programmes are live locally and what evidence is needed.
Common mistakes when chasing solar grants (and how to avoid them)
Mistake: comparing quotes that aren’t like-for-like
One quote might include optimisers, bird-proofing, scaffolding and monitoring — another might not. Always compare a clear spec: kWp, inverter, battery size, warranties and any extras.
Mistake: assuming SEG is a “grant” that pays back everything
SEG can be valuable, but most savings typically come from using your own electricity. Treat SEG as an additional benefit and choose a system that fits your usage pattern.
Mistake: ignoring roof shading and layout constraints
A strong “paper estimate” can underperform if shading is significant. A proper survey should account for chimneys, dormers, trees and roof angles.
Mistake: missing the paperwork needed for export payments
Export payments usually require the right meter and documentation. Ask early what’s required for your supplier and how exports will be measured.
FAQs: solar panel grants and incentives UK 2025
Are there government grants for solar panels in the UK in 2025?
For many homeowners, there isn’t a single nationwide “solar grant” that applies to everyone. The most common support is 0% VAT on eligible domestic solar installations and SEG export payments from energy suppliers. Additional help may exist through local or devolved schemes depending on your area and circumstances.
Can I get SEG payments if I add solar panels in 2025?
Possibly. SEG is offered by participating suppliers, and eligibility typically depends on your system and metering/export arrangement. Your installer can advise on export setup, and you choose a supplier tariff separately.
Does a battery qualify for incentives?
Batteries can be included within VAT-relieved installations in many domestic scenarios, subject to rules. Separately, batteries help you store daytime generation for evening use, which can improve savings even when export payments are modest.
How do I find solar grants by postcode?
Postcode-based availability is most relevant for local authority and regional schemes. Enter your postcode in our solar quote form and we’ll help you understand common routes to check in your area while you compare installer quotes.
Is solar worth it without a grant?
It can be. Many households justify solar primarily on bill reduction (self-consumption), with VAT relief and SEG as additional benefits. The right answer depends on roof suitability, usage patterns, and the quotes you receive.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
Many domestic installations fall under permitted development, but restrictions can apply (e.g., listed buildings or conservation areas). Your installer should advise based on your property and local rules.
Why homeowners use EnergyPlus to compare solar
Whole-of-market comparison
Compare quote options and system specs, rather than relying on a single provider’s recommendation.
Homeowner-focused advice
Clear explanations of incentives, export payments and what to ask installers so you can make a confident decision.
Fast, low-friction process
A short form, a straightforward follow-up, and quote options you can actually compare.
Social proof: what customers say
Real outcomes vary by property and installer, but these examples reflect what homeowners value most: clarity, comparable quotes and a smoother journey.
“The quotes were genuinely comparable. We understood what we were paying for and which extras mattered.”
Homeowner, West Midlands
“We were confused about incentives and export payments. The guidance helped us ask the right questions before booking a survey.”
Homeowner, South Wales
“The installer explained how the battery would change our usage. We went with a slightly higher quote but better warranty and monitoring.”
Homeowner, Scotland
Trust check: always ensure you receive a written quotation, clear warranties, and commissioning documentation. If something feels rushed or unclear, get another quote.
Ready to see the best solar options for your home?
Check what incentives may apply in 2025 and compare whole-of-market quotes from vetted installers. It takes under 2 minutes to get started.
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