No grant? You still have good options
Most homes don't qualify for ECO4 solar because they're heated by gas. That doesn't mean solar is off the table - it just changes the route.
If your home is heated by gas, or no one in the household receives a qualifying benefit, ECO4 won't fund solar panels for you. We'd rather tell you that plainly than waste your time. Here's what does work.
Privately-paid solar with 0% VAT
Solar panel installations for homes currently carry zero VAT, which meaningfully lowers the upfront cost. For many households the system pays for itself over time through lower bills and export payments.
Get paid for what you export
Under the Smart Export Guarantee, energy suppliers pay you for surplus electricity your panels send back to the grid. Combined with the savings on your own usage, this is what makes a privately-paid system add up.
On gas and thinking bigger?
If you're considering a heat pump, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers a government grant towards it - and moving to electric heating could make you eligible for ECO4-funded solar in future. We can explain how the pieces fit together.
Accredited installers, either way
Whether grant-funded or privately paid, we only ever point you to MCS-accredited installers working to RECC and TrustMark standards. The protections are the same.
Talk it through with us
We'll give you a straight, no-pressure view on whether privately-paid solar makes sense for your home and budget.
Still want to check ECO4 first?
It only takes a minute to be sure. If you don't qualify, you'll land right back here with your options.
ECO4 closes 31 December 2026