Free solar panels are real, but only for a small group. Some low-income households in England and Wales can get fully funded installations. For most people, “free solar” is a sales pitch with a catch, such as a lease, a loan or a tie to one supplier.

This guide explains the genuine schemes, the risky offers and the checks that protect you. It covers England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, because the help differs in each nation.

The genuine free schemes

England: the Warm Homes plan

The UK Government published its Warm Homes Plan in January 2026. It says low-income households could get fully funded solar panels and a battery, to the full average cost, currently £9,000 to £12,000. You can read the announcement on GOV.UK.

The main route for owner-occupiers is the Warm Homes: Local Grant. Councils run it for low-income households in England, and the plan lists solar panels as a supported measure. The scheme guidance gives three ways to qualify: living in a high-deprivation area, receiving specified means-tested benefits, or having an income under £36,000. Each council opens its scheme at its own pace, so contact yours first. Social housing tenants have a separate fund, which their landlord applies for.

Wales: Nest

Nest is a Welsh Government scheme that gives free advice and home improvements. Gov.wales says it covers heat pumps, insulation, solar panels and boiler work. You check eligibility online or call 0808 808 2244. Because Nest decides what fits your home, you do not choose the measure yourself.

Scotland and Northern Ireland

We did not find a current Home Energy Scotland scheme that funds solar panels for new applicants. Home Energy Scotland is the place to check, since support changes. In Northern Ireland, ask nidirect for the current position. We have not confirmed any grant there.

ECO4 and help from your energy supplier

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) has mainly paid for insulation and heating upgrades, and Ofgem says it runs until 31 December 2026. GOV.UK tells you to contact your local council or an energy supplier to ask whether you qualify, as described on the ECO page. Solar is not a standard item for every home, so ask what applies to yours.

Low-cost loans are not free

The Warm Homes plan also promised government-backed loans at zero or low interest. The Warm Homes Loan Scheme rules (September 2026) set an initial consumer launch from September 2026, through participating lenders. A loan is still debt, so check the total you will repay and confirm the lender is part of the scheme.

Offers that are not free

Rent-a-roof and lease deals

In these deals a company fits panels at no cost to you. In return it keeps the income from the system. Older deals often ran on the Feed-in Tariff, which no longer takes new applicants. The Council of Mortgage Lenders and RICS warned that such leases can cause trouble when you sell or remortgage, as Solar Power Portal reported.

Modern lease and “pay as you save” deals may differ. However, the same questions apply. How long is the contract? What happens if you sell? Who owns the panels? Take the paperwork to a solicitor before you sign.

“Free with a battery” and bundles

Some firms offer free panels if you buy a battery or another product. Add up the whole price. If the bundle costs more than separate quotes, the panels are not free. Compare against our guide to how much solar panels cost to check the price is fair.

0% VAT is not free either

Zero-rated VAT is a tax relief, not a free system. Our post on 0% VAT on solar panels explains the rule and its end date of 31 March 2027.

How to spot a scam

Free solar attracts cold callers. Watch for these warning signs.

  • A call, text or doorstep visit you did not ask for.
  • Pressure to decide on the day.
  • A claim that “everyone” gets a government grant.
  • A request for money, bank details or a deposit before a survey.
  • No clear company name, address or MCS number.

Ask the caller for the company name and installer number, then check it yourself. The MCS certification explainer shows how to confirm a firm. Our list of questions to ask a solar installer works as a checklist for any offer.

How to apply for a genuine scheme

The steps are simple, although each scheme runs its own process. Start by checking your nation. In England, contact your council and ask whether it runs the Warm Homes: Local Grant. In Wales, use the Nest eligibility check or call the free number.

Next, gather your evidence. You may need proof of benefits, your household income and your address details. Because rules differ, ask what each scheme accepts before you collect anything.

Then expect a survey. The scheme will check your roof and your home to see whether solar suits it. If the answer is no, the scheme may offer another measure instead, such as insulation. That is normal, so do not treat it as a refusal.

Finally, keep copies of everything. A genuine scheme gives you paperwork, including a guarantee and an MCS certificate for the installation. Those documents matter if you sell the home or need to make a claim.

What a genuine scheme will never do

Real schemes run through councils, devolved governments and certified installers. They do not need your bank details on a cold call. They do not claim you must “act today” or lose the grant. They will not send someone to your door unasked and then rush you.

If you are unsure, hang up and look up the scheme yourself on an official site. Then phone the number listed there, not the one the caller gave you. This one step defeats most scams, because a real scheme will be happy to be checked. If you think you have been scammed, tell Citizens Advice or your local Trading Standards office.

What to check before you sign

First, read the contract in full. Second, get the price in writing, with the VAT rate. Third, confirm who owns the panels and what happens if you move. Finally, ask for the MCS certificate, the warranty terms and proof of insurance.

A free scheme should still suit your roof. East-west and flat roofs can need different kit, as our post on east-west and flat roof solar explains. Panels also fade over time, and our guide to how long solar panels last shows what to expect. Your network operator also needs to know about the system, as the post on G98 and G99 grid connection covers.

Where to start

If you may qualify, begin with your council or Nest. If you do not, get three quotes and compare them. Our grants and funding guide keeps a current list of schemes. For help with firms, read about choosing a solar installer. For the money side, see the costs and savings guide. To prepare for the work itself, read how to plan your installation.

Sources

Common questions

Can I really get free solar panels in the UK?

Yes, but only through targeted schemes for low-income households. In England, the Warm Homes: Local Grant can fund solar panels for eligible lower-income homes. In Wales, Nest can fund solar panels. Most other 'free' offers are not truly free.

Who is eligible for the Warm Homes: Local Grant?

It is for lower-income households in England living in privately owned homes, whether they own or privately rent, and it is run through local councils. Homes usually need an EPC of D to G and a household income of £36,000 or less, although certain postcodes and benefits also qualify. Check with your council, because each area opens at its own pace.

What is a rent-a-roof deal?

A company fits panels at no cost and keeps the income from them, often through a long lease on your roof. These deals can make it hard to sell or remortgage. Get independent legal advice before you sign anything.

Is there free solar in Scotland?

We did not find a current Home Energy Scotland scheme that funds solar panels for new applicants. Check Home Energy Scotland for the latest position, because schemes change.

How do I spot a free solar scam?

Be wary of cold calls, doorstep visits, pressure to sign on the day and claims of a government grant for everyone. A genuine scheme will not ask for money up front or demand an instant decision.