What happens after ECO4
ECO4 closes on 31 December 2026. It isn't the end of support for home solar - here's what's expected next, and what's available regardless.
The Warm Homes Plan
The government has signalled a Warm Homes Plan to continue support for home energy upgrades after ECO4. Details and timing are still being confirmed - we track them closely so you don't have to. As soon as the route is clear, we'll guide eligible households through it.
0% VAT on solar
Solar panel installations for homes currently carry 0% VAT, cutting the upfront cost of a privately-paid system. This applies whether or not you qualify for a grant, and is a strong option for gas-heated homes that ECO4 can't fund.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
Under the SEG, licensed energy suppliers pay you for surplus electricity your panels export to the grid. It turns a privately-paid system into something that pays you back over time.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
If you're on gas and considering moving to a heat pump, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers a government grant towards the cost - which can also open the door to ECO4-funded solar later.
Our advice: act while ECO4 is open
If you're eligible for ECO4 now, the simplest path is to apply before it closes on 31 December 2026. Grant funding through the scheme is the most generous route currently available for electrically-heated homes. If you're not eligible, the options above mean privately-paid solar can still make sound financial sense - and we're happy to talk you through the numbers honestly.
Either way, we'll keep this page updated as the Warm Homes Plan and any successor schemes are confirmed, so you always have a clear, current picture.
Not sure which route is right for you?
Whether it's ECO4 now or a privately-paid system, we'll give you an honest steer. Free to check, no obligation.
ECO4 closes 31 December 2026