Do You Qualify for Free Solar Grants? Here’s What Most People Don’t Know

At Grid Labs, we ask every new customer the same question: Do you qualify for a solar grant? The surprising answer? Many UK households and landlords already do — but don’t know it.

Across the UK, there’s an expanding patchwork of government and council-backed solar funding schemes designed to help everyday people — not just eco-enthusiasts — install solar PV systems. From ECO4 to Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) and regional council grants, these programs cover much (and sometimes all) of the cost of going solar.

So before you assume solar is out of reach, let’s walk you through what qualifies, why you should apply, and how Grid Labs makes the whole process easy — especially when technical issues around the and compliance come into play.

First — Do You Qualify?

Here’s what the government and councils are not shouting from the rooftops: you don’t need to live in a futuristic “green home” to qualify for a solar grant.

If your home:

• Has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or lower, and

• You or your tenants receive income-related benefits (e.g. Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Income Support),

Then you are likely eligible for ECO4 funding, which covers 100% of the cost of a solar PV system, insulation, or other energy upgrades. Even if you're not on benefits, certain councils offer support for low-to-middle income homes — especially those off the gas grid.

Check eligibility for ECO4: gov.uk - Energy Company Obligation (ECO)

Council grants: Search your local council’s energy efficiency pages, or let us do it for you — Find your council

Landlords can also apply if their tenants meet these criteria, which means you can future-proof your rental property at zero cost while improving your EPC score and avoiding future regulatory headaches.

Why You Should Apply (Now)

Beyond saving money (yes, up to £600/year), solar grants come with benefits that go way beyond your monthly bill. Here’s why it makes sense:

• The grants won’t last forever. Many have limited funding rounds.

• Solar boosts your home value and EPC rating, making it more attractive if you rent or sell.

• You can sell your extra solar power back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which offers long-term returns.

But here’s the part nobody talks about: the SEG is not automatic, and it’s where people run into headaches.

The SEG: Small Earnings, Big Technical Challenges

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) lets you earn money by exporting unused electricity from your solar system back to the grid. Sounds great, right? It is — if your system is set up correctly.

Here’s where things often go wrong:

• Your solar installer must be MCS-certified (Microgeneration Certification Scheme).

• Your meter must be smart export-capable — not all “smart meters” are.

• You need to apply directly to an SEG provider, and each has its own technical forms, data requirements, and approval processes.

• If your system isn't configured correctly or lacks proper documentation, you might not get paid at all.

Learn more about SEG from Ofgem: Smart Export Guarantee (Ofgem)

This Is Where Grid Labs Makes It Easy

At Grid Labs, we’re more than just a solar installer — we’re your technical partner from start to finish.

We:

• Check your eligibility for every scheme available in your region

• Handle all grant paperwork and council applications

• Provide a fully MCS-accredited solar installation using Trust Mark-certified professionals

• Ensure your meter is compatible with SEG

• Help you register with an SEG provider so you start earning immediately

And most importantly, we design and install systems that meet all current UK government technical standards, so you never have to worry about compliance or denied payments.

Don’t Miss Out — This Is the Easiest Win for Your Home in 2025

Tens of thousands of UK homes qualify for solar funding right now, and more are being added every month. But the sad truth is, most people miss the window because they didn’t ask.

Let Grid Labs check for you — it’s free, it’s fast, and it might just get you a solar system worth thousands, fully funded.

Get a free eligibility check from Grid Labs