Here4Solar

ECO4 Solar Eligibility: Checks Before You Apply

ECO4, made simple

Which ECO4 form are you looking for?

Choose the closest situation. A form can start or record a check, but it does not guarantee funding or solar panels.

I want to apply for ECO4

There is no single Ofgem application that approves every household. A participating energy supplier, its delivery partner or a council Flex route must check your household, home and proposed work. Start by asking which supplier or council route will handle the project.

My council says I may qualify through LA Flex

Use the form published or clearly endorsed by that council or devolved administration. Check that it has a current Statement of Intent. Ofgem publishes a householder form template, but the council route still has to make the referral and the supplier still has to accept the project.

Check Ofgem’s ECO4 Flex forms.

An installer wants an eligibility and pre-installation declaration

This is an official project evidence form. It records the eligibility route and information about the project before work starts. Where relevant, it is signed by the occupier, owner or landlord and the retrofit coordinator. Signing it is not the same as receiving a personal funding guarantee.

See the current Ofgem ECO forms.

The form still says ECO4 and GBIS

Some official forms keep both scheme names because they were combined. The Great British Insulation Scheme closed on 31 March 2026. Ofgem says the forms can continue for ECO4 projects, and ECO4 now runs to 31 December 2026.

A website says its quick form guarantees free solar

Treat that as a marketing claim, not proof of approval. Ask for the legal name of the company, the obligated energy supplier or council route, the property assessment process and any payment, finance, lease or roof agreement. Do not send bank details to release a grant.

Rules checked against Ofgem’s ECO forms, ECO4 Flex forms and the government extension decision.

Could ECO4 help with solar panels?

ECO4 helps some homes in Great Britain save energy. It now runs to 31 December 2026. Solar can be part of the work, but it is not promised for every home.

Illustration showing household, property and project checks before solar work
ECO4 needs the household, home and planned work to match the scheme before work can go ahead.
No advert can approve you. Your household, home and planned work must all be checked through an approved route.

Four things have to match

Your household

You need to fit one of the allowed benefits, income or council routes.

Your home

The energy rating, heating and insulation all matter.

The work

The plan must follow the scheme rules. Solar may be only one part.

The company

An approved energy company and supply chain must accept the job.

A benefits match is only a first check

You may still need to prove who lives in the home. The property also needs an energy check. The final plan can be different from the one in the advert.

Ask why solar is in the plan

The assessor should explain how solar will help the home. Ask whether insulation or heating work is needed first. Also ask who will own the panels and whether you must pay anything.

Check the company

  • Ask for the name of the energy company behind the work.
  • Ask for the legal names of the adviser and installer.
  • Ask which ECO4 route is being used.
  • Ask what proof they need from you.
  • Ask for the full list of work, warranties and complaints steps.
  • Check for any payment, loan, lease or roof agreement.

Stop if you feel rushed

Do not send bank details to “release” a grant. Do not sign because a caller says the money ends today. Take time to read the papers and check the names through an official source.

Use the grant checklist See all funding routes

Sources and official guidance4

Optional next step

ECO4 can be confusing. Keep a normal quote as a comparison.

If eligibility is uncertain, a paid quote gives you another option and a clearer sense of likely installed cost.

  • No pressure from Here4Solar
  • Personalised home quote
  • Check if solar could work
Compare paid solar options

Compare at least three written quotes before choosing an installer.

Next steps

How to compare solar quotes