Last reviewed: August 2026. Grant schemes, funding amounts and eligibility criteria change regularly. Always verify current information at GOV.UK or with a registered installer before making decisions based on this article.
One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners and businesses exploring solar, battery storage, EV charging and other green energy improvements is: "Can I get any financial help?" The honest answer is: it depends — but in many cases, yes.
The range of support has shifted significantly in recent years. The generous generation payments of the Feed-in Tariff era are gone. In their place is a more targeted landscape of capital grants, tax incentives, export income and financing options — some genuinely valuable, particularly for lower-income households and businesses.
Government grants
One-off payments — typically income- or property-condition-dependent
Local authority funding
Council-administered schemes varying significantly by area
Energy supplier schemes
Obligations on suppliers to fund improvements in lower-income homes
Tax incentives
VAT relief and capital allowances that reduce effective cost
Export payments
Ongoing income for electricity exported to the grid
Finance options
Loans — sometimes at 0% — that spread cost over time
Why Governments Offer Grants
The UK has legally binding commitments to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Buildings account for a significant share of those emissions through gas heating, inefficient fabric, and reliance on grid electricity. Accelerating the uptake of heat pumps, solar panels, insulation and EV charging is a direct route to reducing those emissions at scale.
Alongside the climate rationale, energy security has become a prominent driver. Recent years demonstrated the economic consequences of heavy reliance on imported gas. Expanding domestic renewable generation, improving home energy efficiency and electrifying heating and transport all reduce that vulnerability over time.
There is also a social dimension. Energy costs represent a disproportionate burden on lower-income households, and poorly insulated homes are more expensive to heat. Targeted grant funding addresses fuel poverty directly while also modernising a housing stock that the market alone would not improve quickly enough.
The Major Schemes Explained
The Warm Homes Plan (England)
Ongoing — check local authority availabilityUp to £15,000–£30,000 in improvement works for qualifying households
What it covers
The Warm Homes Plan is the current flagship programme replacing ECO4, with £15 billion committed over five years targeting up to five million homes. It operates on a package approach — insulation, solar panels, heat pumps, battery storage and other energy efficiency improvements combined in one project. Solar panels are not typically offered as a standalone installation.
Eligibility
Household income of £36,000 per year or less (gross), OR receipt of qualifying benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, etc.), OR living in a deprived area. Property must also have an EPC rating of D, E, F or G.
How much
Up to £15,000–£30,000 worth of measures depending on property, scheme strand and combination of improvements. For qualifying households where solar and battery are included but not fully grant-funded, 0% interest loans are available to bridge the gap.
How to apply
Through your local council — availability, timing and measures offered vary by area. The government's Simple Energy Advice service (simpleenergyadvice.org.uk) can direct you to local provision. England only; Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate programmes.
Omni3: Omni3 can carry out the renewable energy and electrical elements of Warm Homes Plan projects. If you may qualify, contact your local council as the first step.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (England and Wales)
Confirmed until 31 March 2027£7,500–£9,000 toward a heat pump installation
What it covers
A one-off grant toward the installed cost of an air source heat pump, ground source heat pump, or biomass boiler (biomass has limited eligibility — off-gas-grid rural properties only). Administered by Ofgem.
Grant amounts (updated July 2026)
Air source or ground source heat pump on gas grid: £7,500. Air source or ground source heat pump off gas grid: £9,000. Biomass boiler (limited eligibility): £5,000. The off-gas-grid uplift reflects the greater complexity and fewer alternatives for oil, LPG or solid fuel properties.
Eligibility
Homeowners and small non-domestic buildings in England and Wales. The property must not have outstanding recommendations for cavity wall or loft insulation (exemptions available). Must use an MCS-certified installer.
How the grant works
The grant goes to the installer, who reduces your bill by the grant amount. You do not apply directly — your installer handles the process. The discounted price should be reflected in your quote from a registered installer.
Omni3: Our heat pump and renewable energy installations can be registered for the BUS grant, which we apply on behalf of customers. Contact us to confirm current eligibility for your installation.
EV Charger Grants (OZEV)
EV Chargepoint Grant and Workplace Charging Scheme confirmed until 31 March 2027Up to £350 per socket for qualifying groups — not available for standard homeowners
Who currently qualifies
Flat/apartment owners: up to £350 per socket (75% of cost). Renters in flats or rented properties: up to £350 per socket. Residential landlords: up to £350 per socket, maximum 200 sockets per application. Social housing providers: separate provision available.
Workplace Charging Scheme
Businesses, charities and public authorities can claim up to £350 per socket (75% of cost) for up to 40 sockets across all sites. Designed for staff and fleet vehicle charging.
Who does NOT qualify
Standard homeowners who own a house with a driveway. The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme for this group closed to new applicants in 2022. If you own a house and want a home charger, there is currently no government grant for your installation.
How to apply
Through an OZEV-approved installer. The grant is applied at point of installation — customers do not make a separate claim. Verify the current grant amount at GOV.UK before proceeding, as amounts may be updated.
Omni3: Omni3 is OZEV-approved. We apply qualifying grants at the point of installation for eligible customers.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
No end date — a permanent ongoing schemeOngoing export payments for solar panel owners — not a one-off grant
How it works
The SEG requires licensed energy suppliers with 150,000+ customers to offer a tariff paying solar (and other eligible micro-generation) owners for every unit of electricity exported to the grid. Rates must always be above 0p/kWh. The market is competitive — rates vary significantly between suppliers.
Current rates
As of August 2026, rates broadly range from around 4p/kWh on basic tariffs to over 15p/kWh on competitive offerings. These change frequently. Compare current offers from licensed SEG providers directly before choosing.
Eligibility
System must be installed by a MCS-certified installer and hold MCS certification. Capacity must be 5MW or less (all domestic systems qualify). A smart meter is required. You choose your SEG provider independently of your electricity import supplier.
Important context
The SEG is not a grant — it is an ongoing income stream for exported electricity. It replaced the Feed-in Tariff, which closed to new applicants in January 2020. Unlike the FIT, it pays only for electricity you actually export, not all generation.
Omni3: Contact us to discuss SEG eligibility and registration for your specific installation.
VAT Relief on Energy-Saving Materials
0% rate ends 31 March 2027; reverts to 5% from 1 April 20270% VAT on qualifying installations — confirmed until 31 March 2027
What is covered
0% VAT applies to the supply and installation of solar panels, battery storage, heat pumps (air source and ground source), insulation (loft, cavity wall, solid wall), and associated equipment installed as part of a qualifying system.
What is the saving?
On a typical residential solar and battery installation costing £12,000: at 0% VAT the total is £12,000; at 5% (from April 2027) it rises to £12,600. Against the pre-April 2022 rate of 20%, the saving is more substantial — the same installation would have cost £14,400.
Do I need to claim?
No. A registered installer automatically applies the 0% rate to a qualifying installation. No separate claim or application is needed. Applies to England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has separate VAT rules.
Important note
The relief applies to supply and installation together. Buying equipment separately and using a different contractor for installation may not qualify for the zero rate. Use a single registered installer for the complete package.
Omni3: All Omni3 domestic installations of qualifying measures are invoiced at 0% VAT — automatically, with no claim required from the customer.
Local Authority Funding
Varies by area — check locallyTop-up grants, pilot schemes and local referral routes
Beyond the national schemes, some local councils and combined authorities run their own funding programmes — top-up grants, area-based improvement schemes, subsidised loan products, or referral routes to national programmes. Availability varies enormously by area.
Best sources of up-to-date local information: your local council's website (search "energy efficiency" or "green homes"), the government's Simple Energy Advice service (simpleenergyadvice.org.uk), and local Citizens Advice.
Omni3: We monitor relevant local authority schemes in West Sussex and the South East and can advise customers on what may be available in their area at the time of enquiry.
Business Funding and Tax Incentives
Primarily tax-based — seek professional adviceAnnual Investment Allowance: up to 100% first-year capital relief on qualifying plant and machinery
Annual Investment Allowance (AIA)
Businesses can claim 100% first-year capital allowances on qualifying plant and machinery under the AIA, currently set at £1 million/year. Solar panels, battery storage, EV charging infrastructure and associated electrical equipment all potentially qualify. This reduces taxable profits — not a direct cash grant, but can be equally valuable depending on investment scale.
Workplace Charging Scheme
Businesses, charities and public authorities can claim up to £350 per socket (75% of cost) for up to 40 sockets across all sites. Applies alongside capital allowances — the combination can significantly reduce the net cost of installing a workplace EV charging solution.
Sector-specific and regional funding
Some sectors and regions have additional funding through Innovate UK, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Local Enterprise Partnerships, or sector bodies. Availability and eligibility are complex and change frequently.
Professional advice
The interaction between capital allowances, grant income, VAT and business rates is nuanced. A tax adviser familiar with the sector will be better placed to optimise the overall position. Omni3 handles the installation; we recommend working with an accountant for the tax structuring.
Omni3: We have extensive experience with commercial solar, battery and EV projects. See our Solar Panel Installation page for details of our commercial capability.
What Is Not Currently Funded
It is worth being clear and direct about the limits of the current funding landscape, because there is a significant gap between public perception and reality.
No universal solar panel grant
No scheme currently exists that will pay for or subsidise a solar installation simply because a homeowner wants one. Solar can be included in the Warm Homes Plan for qualifying households, and 0% VAT reduces the effective cost — but for most homeowners, there is no grant.
No standalone battery storage grant
Battery storage can be part of a Warm Homes Plan package for qualifying households. There is no specific battery storage grant available to the general public.
No EV charger grant for standard homeowners with driveways
If you own a house and want a home EV charger, the grant that previously existed — the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme — closed to new applicants in 2022. You pay the full installation cost.
Grants
Free money that does not need to be repaid. Income- and eligibility-dependent. Not available to everyone.
Tax incentives
VAT relief and capital allowances reduce effective cost but do not generate income — only valuable if you would otherwise pay the tax.
Finance
Loans — including 0% for qualifying households — improve affordability and cashflow but must be repaid. They don't reduce the overall cost.
Who Is Most Likely to Qualify?
The table below summarises eligibility across different profiles. Treat it as a general guide — specific eligibility always depends on individual circumstances.
| Profile | Warm Homes | BUS (Heat Pump) | EV Grant | SEG | 0% VAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard homeowner (income above £36k) | No | Yes — heat pump only | No (driveway) | Yes (MCS solar + smart meter) | Yes |
| Low-income homeowner (income ≤ £36k, EPC D–G) | Yes — likely to qualify | Yes — heat pump only | No (driveway) | Yes (MCS solar + smart meter) | Yes |
| Benefit recipient, EPC D–G | Yes — strong eligibility | Yes — heat pump only | No (driveway) | Yes (MCS solar + smart meter) | Yes |
| Pensioner on Pension Credit, EPC D–G | Yes — strong eligibility | Yes — heat pump only | No (driveway) | Yes (MCS solar + smart meter) | Yes |
| Residential landlord | Possibly (some strands) | No | Yes — up to 200 sockets | N/A | Yes |
| Tenant in a flat | No (tenant) | No | Yes — flat/rented | N/A | N/A |
| Housing association / social landlord | Yes — separate strand | No | Yes — separate provision | N/A | No (commercial rules) |
| Business | No | No | Yes — Workplace Charging Scheme | Possibly (qualifying generation) | No (standard VAT) |
| School or public sector | No | No | Yes — Workplace Charging Scheme | Possibly | No |
| Farm or rural (off gas grid) | Possibly (income-dependent) | Yes — £9,000 uplift | No (driveway) | Yes (MCS solar + smart meter) | Yes |
Warm Homes eligibility also requires EPC rating D–G. BUS requires MCS-certified installer and no unaddressed insulation recommendations. Business VAT rules differ — consult a tax adviser.
Should You Wait for Better Grants?
This is one of the most common questions we are asked, and it deserves an honest and balanced answer.
Case for waiting
- +Technology costs have generally trended downward over time
- +Future schemes may emerge, particularly around battery storage
- +Eligibility criteria for existing schemes could be expanded
Case for acting now
- –Energy savings begin immediately — every month without a system is a cost
- –Electricity prices remain unpredictable and can move sharply
- –0% VAT ends 31 March 2027 — a confirmed, known deadline
- –Future schemes are not guaranteed and may arrive on different terms
- –Installation costs are not guaranteed to fall further
Decisions based primarily on anticipated future grants carry real financial risk. The benefit of a grant that does not materialise is zero. The benefit of a well-designed, correctly sized system installed today is real and can be calculated with reasonable confidence. If you qualify for a current scheme, explore it. If you do not, the question is whether the system makes economic sense without grant support — and for most well-designed installations, increasingly the answer is that it does.
How Funding Has Changed
Feed-in Tariff (FIT)
Paid solar owners for all electricity generated (including self-consumed) plus a separate export tariff. Rates started at ~41p/kWh. Reduced in stages as costs fell. Closed to new applicants January 2020. Legacy recipients continue to be paid.
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
Quarterly payments to heat pump and biomass boiler owners over seven years. Significant support for renewable heat. Domestic scheme closed 2022, replaced by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Green Homes Grant
Voucher scheme offering up to £5,000 (£10,000 for low-income households) for energy improvements. Beset by administrative problems. Closed March 2021 having spent only a fraction of its £1.5 billion budget. Widely cited as a cautionary example.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
Launched as the FIT's successor for export payments. Pays solar owners for electricity exported to the grid. Still running. Competitive market with rates varying by supplier.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
Launched April 2022 as capital grant replacement for the RHI. Started at £5,000 for air source heat pumps. Revised upward twice. Currently £7,500 (gas grid) or £9,000 (off gas grid).
Warm Homes Plan
Replaced ECO4. £15 billion, five-year programme targeting five million homes. Package-based approach combining insulation, heat pumps, solar and battery for qualifying lower-income households.
The overall pattern is a shift away from long-term generation payment models toward targeted capital grants and incentives focused on the upfront cost of installation. The current landscape reflects that shift.
What Might Happen Next?
This section reflects informed commentary about potential future policy directions — not confirmed government policy. None of the following should be used as a basis for delaying decisions.
Battery storage support
The relative lack of dedicated battery storage grants is notable given the role batteries play in grid flexibility. Targeted support — through expanded Warm Homes eligibility, standalone grants, or innovative tariff mechanisms — is a plausible policy development, though timing is unknown.
Grid flexibility incentives
As variable renewable generation grows, the grid increasingly needs homes and businesses to flex their demand. Time-of-use tariffs, demand response programmes and vehicle-to-grid technology create financially incentivised flexibility that may expand. Trials are already under way.
V2H and V2G technology
Technology enabling electric vehicles to discharge power back to the home or grid is developing. Policy support and tariff structures to enable and reward this are a potential direction as compatible vehicles become more widespread.
Warm Homes expansion
The current income threshold of £36,000 captures a specific band of lower-income households. Depending on future spending reviews and progress against housing stock targets, the eligibility boundary could be revised upward over time.
Local energy flexibility markets
Some regions are exploring local energy market mechanisms that would allow households with solar, batteries and flexible loads to participate in local grid balancing for financial reward. This is an emerging and developing area.
Smart export evolution
As the SEG matures and battery penetration grows, more sophisticated export tariff structures — rewarding exports at high-demand times, or battery-mediated export strategies — may become more widespread and financially attractive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get free solar panels?
Not unless you qualify for the Warm Homes Plan — income ≤ £36,000/year, or receiving qualifying benefits, and EPC rated D–G or below. For most homeowners, solar panels are a purchase. The 0% VAT rate reduces the effective cost, and the Smart Export Guarantee provides ongoing income from exported electricity, but neither makes solar free.
Is there a battery storage grant?
Not for most people. Battery storage can be included as part of a Warm Homes Plan package for qualifying households. There is no standalone battery storage grant available to general homeowners. Capital allowances apply to business installations.
Can landlords get funding for EV chargers?
Yes. Residential landlords can access the EV Chargepoint Grant for up to £350 per socket, with a maximum of 200 sockets per application. Businesses may be eligible for the Workplace Charging Scheme.
Are EV charger grants still available?
Yes, but not for everyone. Standard homeowners with driveways no longer qualify. The EV Chargepoint Grant remains available for flat owners, renters in flats or rented properties, and residential landlords. The Workplace Charging Scheme is open to businesses, charities and public authorities. Both run until 31 March 2027.
Can I combine multiple grants on the same project?
In some cases, yes. For example, a qualifying household might receive Warm Homes Plan support for insulation and solar, while also benefiting from 0% VAT and signing up to the Smart Export Guarantee once their system is running. However, schemes have rules about stacking support, and eligibility must be verified for each.
Can I apply for grants before getting quotes?
For the Warm Homes Plan, contact your local council early — the process typically involves a home assessment before installation. For the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, your installer handles the application. For VAT relief, no application is required — a registered installer applies the correct rate automatically.
Do grants run out mid-year?
Some schemes are budget-capped and can close early if demand is high. The Warm Homes Plan operates through local authorities who may have finite allocations. There is no guarantee that funding will be available throughout a scheme's nominal duration. If you believe you qualify, applying sooner is advisable.
Are businesses eligible for green energy grants?
Not directly for most national schemes. However, businesses benefit from capital allowances (Annual Investment Allowance at up to 100% first-year relief), the Workplace Charging Scheme, and sector-specific or regional funding. Consult an accountant or tax adviser for the full picture.
Does Omni3 help with grant applications?
Yes, within our role as an installer. For the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, we handle the application process on behalf of customers. For the Warm Homes Plan, we can advise on eligibility and work alongside local authority delivery partners. For OZEV grants, we are approved and apply the grant at point of installation. We do not charge separately for grant administration as part of a qualifying installation.
Is finance sometimes a better option than waiting for grants?
Potentially yes. If a system makes economic sense — and the payback period, energy savings and export income justify the investment — waiting indefinitely for grant support that may not arrive means years of foregone savings. 0% interest loans are available to qualifying households through the Warm Homes Plan, and other finance options can make upfront costs manageable.
Does the Warm Homes Plan cover solar panels?
Yes, solar panels are one of the measures that can be included in a Warm Homes Plan package for qualifying households. The scheme operates on a package basis, so solar may be bundled with insulation and other measures rather than offered as a standalone installation.
What EPC rating do I need for the Warm Homes Plan?
Your property must have an EPC rating of D, E, F or G. Properties already rated A, B or C are not eligible, as the scheme targets less energy-efficient homes.
Do I need to own my home to get a grant?
It depends on the scheme. The Warm Homes Plan has provision for both owner-occupiers and tenants (through landlord obligations in some strands). The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is for homeowners. The EV Chargepoint Grant includes provision for tenants in flats and rented properties.
Can I claim VAT relief if I buy equipment myself and hire a separate installer?
No. The 0% VAT relief applies to supply and installation together. Buying equipment separately and using a different contractor may forfeit the zero rate. Use a single registered installer supplying and fitting the equipment as a complete package.
Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme still running?
Yes, as of August 2026 it is confirmed until 31 March 2027. Grant amounts were updated in July 2026: £7,500 for properties on the gas grid and £9,000 for off-gas-grid properties, for air source and ground source heat pumps. Verify current details at GOV.UK.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee and how much does it pay?
The SEG requires large energy suppliers to pay solar owners for electricity exported to the grid. Rates must be above 0p/kWh by law but vary by supplier and change frequently. As of mid-2026, rates range broadly from around 4p to over 15p per kWh. You need a smart meter and an MCS-certified system. It is an ongoing income stream, not a one-off payment.
Can I get a grant for battery storage without solar panels?
Not under any current national scheme. The Warm Homes Plan can include battery storage as part of a qualifying package, but not typically as a standalone measure. There is no standalone battery storage grant for the general market.
What happens to my grants if I sell my house?
Grants already paid are tied to the improvement, not the recipient — the benefit stays with the property. The Smart Export Guarantee is a contract between you and your SEG provider; the new owner would need their own arrangement. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant is completed at installation and does not transfer.
Are grants available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
Yes, but via separate devolved schemes. Scotland has Home Energy Scotland (Energy Saving Trust). Wales has Warmer Homes Wales. Northern Ireland has its own arrangements. If you are outside England, search your devolved nation's equivalent rather than the schemes described in this article.
How do I check what is available in my area?
Best starting points: GOV.UK for verified national scheme information; your local council's website for area-specific schemes; Simple Energy Advice (simpleenergyadvice.org.uk) for local guidance; or contact Omni3 directly — we advise on what is available to customers in Sussex and the South East at the time of enquiry.
Can I get a grant for a heat pump if I'm on gas?
Yes — the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is available for gas grid properties at £7,500 (compared to £9,000 off-grid). However, the economics of a heat pump versus a gas boiler depend on the relative cost of gas and electricity, heat pump efficiency, and the property's insulation. A thorough assessment is recommended before proceeding.
Funding Changes. Every Property Is Different.
The landscape of green energy funding in the UK in 2026 is more targeted and more complex than it was five or ten years ago. For qualifying lower-income households, the Warm Homes Plan offers substantial support. For anyone replacing fossil fuel heating with a heat pump, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides a meaningful grant. For businesses installing EV chargers, the Workplace Charging Scheme and capital allowances make the economics compelling. And for all domestic solar installations, the 0% VAT rate reduces the effective cost while the Smart Export Guarantee provides an ongoing return.
What is not available is a general grant for solar panels, battery storage or EV chargers for standard homeowners. Being clear about this helps people plan honestly rather than delaying decisions based on expectations that may not be met.
Every property is different, and funding changes regularly. If you would like to understand what financial support is currently available for your home or business, contact Omni3 for impartial advice. We'll help you identify the incentives that apply to your situation and design a system that delivers long-term value — with or without grant support.
Get Impartial AdviceThis article was last reviewed August 2026. Grant schemes, funding amounts and eligibility criteria change regularly. Always verify current information at GOV.UK or with a registered installer before making decisions. Primary sources: GOV.UK, Ofgem, OZEV.