Solar Panel Grants & Funding In Wales (2026)
Last updated: July 2026
There is no universal solar panel grant in Wales - support is targeted. In 2026, help comes through four routes: 0% VAT on solar and battery installations until 31 March 2027, the Smart Export Guarantee, the Welsh Government's Warm Homes Nest scheme for eligible households, and ECO4, which ends on 31 December 2026. Interest-free loans are also available through Green Homes Wales.
0% VAT On Solar Panels: Automatic For Everyone
Every solar panel and battery storage installation in Wales currently has 0% VAT applied to the supply and installation. There is nothing to apply for - your installer applies it automatically. The 0% rate is currently confirmed until 31 March 2027. On a typical £6,000 to £8,000 installation, that is a saving of £1,200 to £1,600 compared with the standard 20% rate.
The Smart Export Guarantee: Get Paid For What You Export
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is not a grant - it pays you for surplus electricity you export to the grid. You apply for an SEG tariff with a licensed energy supplier using your MCS certificate, and rates and terms are set by the supplier, not by your installer. Every CRS Energy installation comes with the MCS certificate you need to apply.
Warm Homes Nest: Free Improvements For Eligible Households
Nest is the Welsh Government's home energy scheme. For eligible households it can fund a package of free improvements that may include solar panels, insulation and heating. To qualify you generally need to own or privately rent your home, receive a means-tested benefit or live in a low-income household, and usually live in a property with a low energy rating. Call Nest free on 0808 808 2244 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm - calls are welcomed in Welsh) or visit gov.wales/nest.
ECO4: Fully Funded Measures Until 31 December 2026
ECO4 is the UK-wide Energy Company Obligation scheme, funded by large energy suppliers. For qualifying low-income households it can fully fund energy efficiency measures, which can include solar PV where the property is suitable. The scheme was extended in January 2026 and now ends on 31 December 2026, with no successor supplier obligation planned. Funding is first come, first served, so eligible households should apply well before the deadline.
Green Homes Wales: Interest-Free Loans Up To £25,000
Green Homes Wales is a Welsh Government-backed scheme managed by the Development Bank of Wales. It offers homeowners interest-free loans from £1,000 to £25,000 over terms of up to 10 years, with a six-month repayment holiday, for improvements including solar panels, battery storage and insulation. The property must be your main residence, applications are credit-checked, and funding is limited each year. Details and applications are through the Development Bank of Wales.
What About The Warm Homes Plan?
The UK Government has announced the Warm Homes Plan, a programme of around £15 billion intended to replace ECO4 after December 2026. Eligibility rules and start dates had not been confirmed at the time of writing, so it is not yet possible to apply. We will update this page as details are published.
If You Don't Qualify For A Grant
Most working households in Wales will not qualify for Nest or ECO4. If that is you, solar can still stack up: 0% VAT applies automatically, the Smart Export Guarantee pays for what you export, and our fixed-price package - 6 panels, a hybrid inverter and a 7.2kWh battery for £5,999, subject to suitability - gives you a clear starting point. You will get a personalised estimate on your first call, with no home visit before you are ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any grants for solar panels in Wales in 2026?
There is no universal solar grant in Wales. Targeted support exists: Warm Homes Nest and ECO4 can fully fund solar for eligible low-income households, Green Homes Wales offers interest-free loans to homeowners, and every installation benefits from 0% VAT until 31 March 2027 plus Smart Export Guarantee payments for exported electricity.
Can I get free solar panels in Wales?
Only through targeted schemes. Warm Homes Nest (Welsh Government) and ECO4 can fund free solar for eligible households - generally those on means-tested benefits or low incomes in homes with poor energy ratings. Call Nest free on 0808 808 2244 to check your eligibility. Most working households will not qualify.
When does ECO4 end?
ECO4 ends on 31 December 2026. The scheme was extended by nine months in January 2026, and the UK Government has confirmed there will be no successor supplier obligation. It is being replaced by the grant-funded Warm Homes Plan, whose eligibility rules and start dates are still to be confirmed.
Is the 0% VAT on solar panels ending?
The 0% VAT rate on solar panel and battery storage installations is currently confirmed until 31 March 2027. It is applied automatically by your installer - there is nothing to apply for.
How do I get solar if I don't qualify for a grant?
You can buy outright or spread the cost. Every installation benefits from 0% VAT and Smart Export Guarantee payments, and our fixed-price package - 6 panels, a hybrid inverter and a 7.2kWh stackable battery for £5,999, subject to suitability - gives you a clear benchmark. You will get a personalised estimate on your first call, with no home visit before you are ready.