Solar Panel Grants

Free Solar Panels for UK Households

Free solar grants for energy security, bill savings, and additional income.

Government Grants for Long-Term Energy Savings

If you’re struggling with rising energy bills and living in a home with poor or no insulation, you could be eligible for free solar panels. Through the UK Government’s ECO4 or LA Flex scheme, qualifying households can receive fully funded solar power installation, with zero upfront costs.

At Elite Energy, we help you access solar panel grants for homeowners, offering certified installations, transparent support, and national coverage. If you receive benefits or your home is energy inefficient, check your eligibility online today. It only takes a few seconds.

What Are Free Solar Panel Grants and Who Qualifies?

Free solar panel grants are part of a government-backed initiative to help households access renewable energy without the usual financial barriers. Under schemes like ECO4 and LA Flex, qualifying homes can receive a fully funded photovoltaic system, including installation, at no cost to the homeowner or tenant.

These solar installation grants are designed to promote energy efficiency, reduce household bills, and lower carbon emissions, especially for those most impacted by rising living costs.

Check Eligibility

You may qualify for a government grant for solar panels if:

You own your home or privately rent it (with landlord permission)
Your home has poor insulation or low energy efficiency
You or someone in your household receives certain means-tested benefits (e.g. Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income-based JSA or ESA)
You have a low household income, even if you don’t claim benefits (eligibility may still apply through LA Flex)

It’s common to feel unsure about eligibility. Many homeowners assume they won’t qualify, but in reality, they often do. Elite Energy offers free eligibility checks and can handle the entire grant application process for you.

How Government Grants for Solar Panels Work

Government-backed solar panel grants are part of the UK’s ongoing drive to reduce carbon emissions and make energy-efficient upgrades more accessible. The two main schemes available are ECO4 and LA Flex, both of which offer fully funded solar PV installations for eligible homeowners.

These grants aim to remove the financial barrier to solar by covering the cost of system design, supply, and installation. If you’re eligible, you won’t pay a penny for your solar panels, and you’ll start saving on energy bills from day one.

At Elite Energy, we manage the entire application and installation process for you. That means:

No confusing paperwork
No upfront cost
No obligation if you don’t qualify

What’s the difference between ECO4 and LA Flex?

Both schemes offer full funding, but the qualifying criteria differ slightly.

If you’re unsure which scheme applies to you, our team will assess your situation and match you to the right funding route.

ECO4

ECO4 is the primary government incentive for energy efficiency. It supports households that are low income, receive benefits, or live in inefficient homes.

LA Flex

LA Flex (Local Authority Flexible Eligibility) allows councils to widen eligibility for funding to support more households, even some not on benefits.

Why Choose Elite Energy

The solar funding process can feel confusing, especially if you're unsure where to start. At Elite Energy, we simplify everything. As a fully certified and government-approved installer, we’ve helped thousands of households across the UK access funded solar panels with a fast, stress-free process, and no upfront cost.

Government-Backed and Fully Accredited
We’re MCS Certified, TrustMark Registered, and RECC Approved, so you’re protected by industry standards and eligible for official government schemes like ECO4 and LA Flex.

Specialists in Grant-Funded Solar
From eligibility checks to final installation, we handle every part of the grant process. No hidden fees, no confusing steps, just a supported, transparent journey to free solar.

Fast, Hassle-Free Installations
Once approved, your solar panel system can be installed in weeks. Our in-house engineers are fully qualified, efficient, and respectful of your home.

Local Coverage You Can Trust
We provide free solar panel installations for qualifying households across the North of England.

Benefits of Installing Free Solar Panels on Your Home

Government-funded solar panels provide a long-term upgrade to your home’s energy efficiency, running costs, and environmental footprint. Through ECO4 or LA Flex, you gain:

Lower Energy Bills

With solar panels generating your electricity during daylight hours, you’ll buy less from the grid. Many households see immediate savings, especially during spring and summer.

SEG Payments for Extra Energy

Thanks to the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), any excess energy your system produces can be sold back to the grid, meaning potential income on top of your savings.

Zero Upfront Costs

All design, installation, parts, and labour are fully funded, with nothing to pay now or later. The entire grant is covered by government-backed schemes, not loans or finance agreements.

Long-Term Protection from Rising Costs

Solar panels protect you against unpredictable energy prices, giving you more control over your household bills for years to come.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

Switching to a clean, renewable energy source like solar power helps lower your home’s environmental impact, all while saving you money.

What Savings Can You Expect from Solar Grants?

With energy costs rising, grant-funded solar panels offer one of the most reliable ways to lower your electricity bills, without spending a penny upfront. By generating your own solar energy during the day, you reduce your reliance on expensive grid electricity and start seeing savings from the moment your system is switched on.

Expected Savings

The size of your system, your daily energy usage, and whether you qualify for SEG payments all impact your potential savings. But for many households, the annual reduction is significant, and long term.

System Size	Estimated Annual Savings	SEG Export Earnings (Est.)
2.5 kW	£300 – £450	Up to £100/year
4 kW	£450 – £650	Up to £150/year
5.5 kW	£600 – £800	Up to £200/year

*Savings vary depending on location, usage patterns, and whether a battery is included.

Qualify for a Free Solar Panel Installation

Thousands of homes now qualify for fully funded solar PV systems, no upfront cost, no sales pressure, and no complex paperwork. If your home meets the criteria, Elite Energy can install your system in weeks.

When we check your eligibility for solar panels, we can also assess your home for other government-funded upgrades, including:

Simply fill out our eligibility checker to get started. Our team will review your application, confirm which grants you’re eligible for, and guide you through the next steps, all with free, UK-based support from start to finish. If you're certain you qualify, you can also fill out the below application.

Eligibility Checker Apply for a Grant

Frequently Asked Questions

We have tried to answer most questions here but if you have any other queries please feel free to contact us!

Do I have to be on benefits to get free solar panels?

Not always. While many grants are aimed at households receiving means-tested benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit, the LA Flex scheme allows local councils to extend eligibility to households on low income, even without benefits. Our team will assess your specific circumstances and match you to the right scheme.

Is the solar system really free, or are there hidden costs?

If you're eligible under ECO4 or LA Flex, your system is fully funded, including supply, installation, and paperwork. There are no hidden fees or upfront payments. We’ll explain everything clearly before you commit.

Will I save money straight away?

Yes. Once your system is installed, you’ll start using free electricity during daylight hours, reducing your need to buy from the grid. Many households start seeing lower bills from the first month. You may also earn money through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

Will I get a battery with my solar panels?

Some grant-funded installations include a battery to store unused energy for later use. Whether one is included depends on your eligibility, property type, and the funding scheme. We’ll confirm this during your free assessment.

How long does installation take?

Once your eligibility is confirmed, most installations are completed within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the property survey and our team’s availability. The install itself usually takes just one day.

Is planning permission needed for solar panels?

In most cases, no. Solar panels are classed as permitted development, so you usually won’t need planning permission. Listed buildings or homes in conservation areas may be exceptions, we’ll advise you if this applies to your property.

What if I’m not eligible for solar?

If you don’t qualify for solar under current grant schemes, we’ll let you know clearly, and we’ll also check whether you may qualify for other upgrades like insulation or boiler grants instead. There’s no obligation to proceed.