Solar panel subsidies tripled UK installations. What help is available for homeowners?

Solar panel installations have tripled in the UK thanks to new subsidies that make green energy affordable and accessible. The Labour Party’s recent election win promises a “rooftop revolution,” aiming to triple solar power by 2030. This includes approving major solar farms and offering grants and low-interest loans for homeowners installing solar panels.

For homeowners, various support options are available. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) program, running until March 2026, requires energy companies to fund energy upgrades for low-income households, especially those with low energy ratings. Another option, the Home Upgrade Grant, covers costs for homes without a gas boiler and with low energy efficiency, benefiting households with income under £36,000.

Additionally, the Solar Together scheme offers neighborhood discounts on solar panel and battery installations. By registering for the Smart Export Guarantee, homeowners can also save up to £600 annually, with an average installation potentially paying for itself in 12 years. These new measures support Labour’s Energy Independence Act’s Warm Homes Plan, which aims to cut emissions, boost energy security, and lower household bills by investing £6.6 billion over the next five years to upgrade millions of homes with solar, batteries, and improved insulation.