This page is designed to help UK homeowners understand what government support for solar panels and battery storage actually looks like right now, and what is expected to follow later in 2026.
It is informational, not promotional. The aim is clarity.
What is the Warm Homes Plan?
The Warm Homes Plan is a UK government framework introduced in 2026 to improve home energy efficiency, reduce long-term energy costs, and support the transition to low‑carbon heating and power.
It is not a single grant or loan.
Instead, it brings together several routes of support, some of which are already live, and others that will be introduced in phases during 2026.
What support is available right now?
1. Warm Homes: Local Grant (England)
This is the primary live scheme under the Warm Homes framework.
Some households may qualify depending on:
Household income (typically £36,000 or less, or receipt of means‑tested benefits)
EPC rating of the property
The scheme is currently aimed at homes in EPC bands D, E, F, or G, where energy efficiency improvements deliver the greatest impact.
If eligible, funding may be available for measures such as:
Solar panels
Battery storage
Other energy‑saving improvements
Funding is administered via local authorities, so availability and application status can vary by area.
2. 0% VAT on solar panels and battery storage (UK‑wide)
Across the UK, solar panels and battery storage currently qualify for 0% VAT.
This incentive is confirmed until 31 March 2027 and applies regardless of income or EPC rating.
For many homeowners, this represents a meaningful reduction in overall installation cost compared with previous VAT rates.
3. Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)
Some households that do not qualify for the Local Grant may still be eligible for energy efficiency improvements through the ECO4 scheme. (Official End Date: March 31st 2026.)
ECO4 is delivered by energy suppliers rather than installers.
Eligibility depends on factors such as:
Income
Benefits
Property efficiency
Homeowners interested in ECO4 should contact their energy supplier directly to check eligibility.
What is coming later in 2026?
The government has announced plans for government‑backed low or zero‑interest loans to support solar panels, battery storage, and wider energy efficiency upgrades.
These loan products are not yet live.
Full application details are expected to be released in phases during 2026.
For homeowners who do not qualify for grant‑based support, these loans may become an important option once officially launched.
Why EPC ratings matter more now
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings have moved from being informational to being policy‑relevant.
Many current support schemes are now focused on homes in EPC bands D to G, where upgrades can deliver the greatest improvement in efficiency and affordability.
Understanding your EPC rating is often the first step in understanding what support may apply to your home.
A practical approach for homeowners
Before making decisions about solar or battery storage, it is sensible to:
Check your current EPC rating
Understand which schemes are live today and which are not
Avoid rushing based on headlines alone
Focus on whether support applies to your property, not just the scheme name
Need help understanding what applies to your home?
Government schemes can be complex, and not every option applies to every household.
If you want help understanding EPC ratings, current support, and how solar or battery storage fits into the wider picture, we can help you make sense of it.
This is about clarity first, decisions second.
Source information is based on current UK government Warm Homes guidance. Details may evolve as further phases are announced during 2026.
Understanding what applies to your home
Government energy schemes can be difficult to interpret. Not every option applies to every household, and headlines rarely explain the detail.
At solarpanelinstallers.co.uk, we help homeowners understand EPC ratings, current support schemes, and how solar panels or battery storage fit into the wider picture.
This is about clarity first, not rushing decisions.
Get help understanding what applies to your home
Warm Homes & Solar, Common Questions
Does every home qualify for Warm Homes solar support?
No. Some households may qualify depending on income, location, and EPC rating. The Warm Homes framework includes multiple routes of support, and not all apply to every property.
Why are EPC ratings D to G mentioned so often?
Current government schemes focus on homes in EPC bands D, E, F, or G because improvements in these properties deliver the greatest impact on efficiency and energy costs.
Is the Warm Homes Plan the same as a solar grant?
No. The Warm Homes Plan is a framework that includes grants, VAT incentives, and future loan schemes. Some elements are live now, while others will roll out during 2026.
Is 0% VAT on solar and batteries available to everyone?
Yes. Solar panels and battery storage currently qualify for 0% VAT across the UK, regardless of income or EPC rating. This is confirmed until 31 March 2027.