Can I get free solar panels in 2026?

Fully-funded solar panels are available through the Warm Homes Local Grant for eligible households in England. To qualify, your household income must be under £36,000 per year (or you must receive qualifying means-tested benefits), and your property must have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. Eligible households in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk can receive up to £15,000 for energy efficiency improvements including solar panels.

What is the Warm Homes Local Grant and how does it work in East Anglia?

The Warm Homes Local Grant is the government's flagship 2026 energy scheme, replacing ECO4. It provides up to £15,000 for energy efficiency measures (insulation, windows, solar panels) and up to £15,000 for low-carbon heating (heat pump) per household. In East Anglia, grants are administered by local councils — South Cambridgeshire District Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, Breckland Council, South Norfolk Council, Babergh District Council, and others. Contact your local council or an approved installer to check eligibility.

Is there still 0% VAT on solar panels in 2026?

Yes. Solar panels, battery storage, and other energy-saving materials were permanently zero-rated for VAT in February 2024, with the zero-rate confirmed to run until at least March 2027. On a typical 4kW solar system costing £6,000–£7,000, this represents a saving of approximately £1,200–£1,400 compared to the 20% rate that applied before April 2022.

What is the Smart Export Guarantee and how much can I earn?

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) requires licensed electricity suppliers to pay homeowners for the surplus electricity their solar panels export to the grid. In 2026, the best SEG rates range from 12–20p/kWh for fixed-rate tariffs. Variable smart tariffs (Octopus Flux) pay up to 27p/kWh during peak periods. A typical 4kW solar system in East Anglia exports 800–1,500 kWh per year, earning £100–£300 annually depending on the tariff.

Do I need planning permission to access solar grants?

No. Grants are not dependent on planning permission status. Most residential solar installations are permitted development (no planning permission required). For listed buildings, listed building consent is required but this does not affect grant eligibility — you can still apply for the Warm Homes Local Grant.

What happens when ECO4 ends?

ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) is being wound down in early 2026 and replaced by the Warm Homes Plan (including the Warm Homes Local Grant). There may be a transition period where neither scheme is fully operational for new applications. If you are eligible for ECO4, apply as soon as possible. The Warm Homes Local Grant accepts applications from January 2026 in most local authorities.

Can I get a grant for solar panels if I am a landlord?

Landlords are not currently eligible for the Warm Homes Local Grant, which is aimed at owner-occupiers on low incomes. Commercial grant schemes may be available through local enterprise partnerships. Landlords can benefit from 0% VAT on solar installations and the Smart Export Guarantee. From 2030, all rental properties will be required to have an EPC rating of C or above — solar panels are one of the most cost-effective ways to improve an EPC rating for landlords.

Can battery storage be included in solar grants?

Battery storage is not explicitly listed as a Warm Homes Local Grant measure in current guidance, but some local authority schemes include it as part of a broader energy package. Battery storage installed alongside solar panels is subject to 0% VAT. The Smart Export Guarantee becomes more financially significant with battery storage — batteries allow you to maximise self-consumption and choose when to export, optimising earnings.

Grants Guide | Updated March 2026 | 7 min read

Solar Panel Grants in East Anglia [2026]

A complete guide to solar panel grants, funded schemes, and financial incentives available in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk in 2026 — including which households can access fully-funded solar panels.

ECO4 is closing in early 2026. If you are on benefits or have a low income, apply now before the scheme closes. The Warm Homes Local Grant is accepting applications from January 2026.

Available Grants and Incentives (2026)

Warm Homes Local Grant

Active — applications open

Up to £15,000 for energy measures

The government's flagship 2026 scheme. Provides up to £15,000 for energy efficiency measures (insulation, solar panels, windows) for eligible owner-occupiers with household income under £36,000/year or on qualifying means-tested benefits, with a property EPC D–G.

Eligibility:Income under £36,000/year OR means-tested benefits + EPC D–G

0% VAT on Solar Panels

Active — until at least March 2027

Save £1,200–£2,500 on typical systems

All residential solar panel installations, battery storage, and energy-saving materials are zero-rated for VAT. This applies automatically to all installations and requires no application.

Eligibility:All homeowners — no application required

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

Active — ongoing

Earn 12–27p/kWh for exported energy

All licensed electricity suppliers must offer a tariff that pays you for surplus solar electricity you export to the grid. Rates range from 12p (basic suppliers) to 27p/kWh (Octopus Agile/Flux variable tariffs). Apply through your electricity supplier after installation.

Eligibility:Any solar panel system with MCS certificate and smart meter

ECO4 Scheme

Closing early 2026 — apply now

Variable — depends on measures installed

Energy Company Obligation 4 funds insulation and heating upgrades for lower-income households. Solar panels can be part of an ECO4 package in some circumstances. Apply through your energy supplier or an approved installer before the scheme closes.

Eligibility:Benefits recipients or low-income households with EPC E–G

How to Apply: Warm Homes Local Grant in East Anglia

The Warm Homes Local Grant is administered by local councils, not centrally by the government. This means you need to contact your local council or apply through an approved local installer. Here are the local authorities serving Green Hat's service area and how to contact them:

South Cambridgeshire District Council

South of Cambridge, including Sawston, Cambourne, St Neots area

Check scdc.gov.uk for current scheme status

East Cambridgeshire District Council

Ely, Soham, Newmarket area, Cambridgeshire Fens

Check eastcambs.gov.uk for current scheme status

Huntingdonshire District Council

Huntingdon, St Ives, Ramsey, St Neots

Check huntingdonshire.gov.uk

Breckland Council

Thetford, Attleborough, Dereham, Swaffham

Check breckland.gov.uk

South Norfolk Council

Wymondham, Loddon, Harleston

Check south-norfolk.gov.uk

North Norfolk District Council

Cromer, North Walsham, Sheringham, Fakenham

Check north-norfolk.gov.uk

Babergh District Council

Sudbury, Hadleigh, Lavenham, Long Melford

Check babergh.gov.uk

Mid Suffolk District Council

Stowmarket, Eye, Needham Market, Debenham

Check midsuffolk.gov.uk

West Suffolk Council

Bury St Edmunds, Haverhill, Newmarket, Mildenhall

Check westsuffolk.gov.uk

As an approved installer, we can also apply directly on your behalf as part of a grant-funded installation. Contact us to check your eligibility and we will handle the application process.

Maximising Your Return: Combining Incentives

The best financial outcome comes from stacking available incentives. A typical East Anglia homeowner installing a 4kW solar system and 9.5kWh battery can benefit from:

0% VAT saving£1,200–£1,400

Smart Export Guarantee earnings (annual)£100–£300/year

Electricity bill savings from solar£700–£900/year

Additional savings from battery storage£300–£500/year

Annual savings based on East Anglia average solar yield and 2026 electricity prices. Payback period typically 5–7 years with current incentives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Solar Panel Installation Smart Export Guarantee Guide Warm Homes Plan Guide EPC Improvements Guide

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