How to check a solar grant offer

If you’ve been offered help with solar panels, these questions will help you understand the offer before sharing details or signing anything.

1. What is the scheme called?

Ask for its full name and find it on an official government, council or energy-supplier website. “Free solar” is an advertising description, so ask which actual scheme will pay for the work.

Our funding guide lists starting points for each part of the UK.

2. Does it cover your home?

• Is it available in your country and council area?
• Is it open to new applicants?
• What household income, benefit or other conditions apply?
• What energy rating and property type are required?
• Will the home need a survey before a decision?

3. What work is included?

Ask whether solar panels are part of the proposed work or only a possibility. Find out whether insulation or heating improvements are needed too, and who will carry out the survey.

If you rent or have a leasehold home, check what permission is needed from the landlord or freeholder.

4. Who is arranging and installing it?

Get the names of the council, energy supplier or housing provider behind the project, the company contacting you and the installer. Ask how you can check the installer’s certification and who will handle complaints or faults.

5. Will you pay or sign an agreement?

• Is there a contribution, loan or other payment?
• Will you own the panels?
• Does anyone receive rights over your roof?
• Who receives payments for spare electricity?
• What happens if the survey finds you do not qualify?

Ask for the full terms in writing. VAT relief reduces tax on a qualifying installation; it does not pay for the panels. A loan is money you must repay.

If someone contacts you unexpectedly

Take their name, company and the scheme details, then check the official organisation using contact details you find yourself. Avoid using a link or phone number from an unexpected message until you have checked it.

You can take time to decide. Do not send bank details to “release” a grant or sign because a caller says government funding ends that day.

Before work starts

Keep the agreed work, price, ownership terms and warranties together. Use our installation checklist to check the equipment and contract. If the offer is through ECO4, see how its checks and forms work.