ECO4 scheme: how to apply for free UK solar panels

KANIKA SINGH RATHORE,

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If you are wondering installing solar panels But if you’re concerned about affordability, there’s good news: There are many funding and solar panel grant Available to help offset costs. One of the most significant is the government’s ECO4 scheme, which supports low-income households with free or heavily subsidized energy upgrades, including solar panels, insulation and heating improvements.

It’s worth understanding before applying cost of solar panels And how do they compare to the potential long-term savings. For an in-depth look at performance and reliability, check out our guide best solar panels Available in the UK, or find out if are solar panels worth it For your home’s energy needs.

ECO4 is part of the government’s wider Energy Company Responsibility programme, designed to reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty. Depending on where you live and your income, you may be eligible for full or partial financing to make your home more energy efficient. Below, we explain who qualifies, how to apply and what types of upgrades the plan can cover.

What is the ECO4 scheme and how does it work?

If you or someone you live with qualifies for state benefits, the ECO4 grant can help you. ECO4 is a government-backed energy efficiency scheme designed to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions. As the name suggests, this is the fourth phase of the energy company obligation, and it runs till March 31, 2026. It is funded by major energy companies and Regulated by Ofgem,

Therefore, ECO4 is not a traditional government grant; Rather, the government has an obligation on energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency upgrades in eligible homes.

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ECO4 Eligibility: Who is eligible for ECO4 grants?

If you can qualify Household income is less than £31,000You live in private housing (ie not council owned), and you get one of the following benefits:

  • child tax credit
  • working tax credit
  • universal credit
  • pension guarantee credit
  • pension savings loan
  • income support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • child benefit
  • housing benefit

If you own your home, it should be rated D or worse for energy efficiency and if you rent, it should be rated E or worse.

You can find out what is the energy rating of your home official websiteThis includes properties in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. This includes homes, commercial properties and public buildings.

What is included and not included in the ECO4 grant?

You can apply through your energy provider for up to £10,000 of funding to make your home more energy efficient.

The plan is for broader energy efficiency, so you may find that insulation and a smart thermostat are a better use of the funding for your energy use.

What is included in the ECO4 plan

  • insulation upgrades including your loft, cavity wall and solid wall
  • Heating system upgrades, including efficient boilers and heat pumps
  • Renewable energy installations including solar panels

What is not included in the ECO4 plan?

  • new doors or windows
  • Properties with Energy Performance Certificate rating of D or higher
  • Projects that combine ECO4 with other funding sources (in some cases, ECO4 Flex may allow supplementary funding with strict conditions, but usually cannot be combined)
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How to apply for ECO4 scheme

You can contact your local council to check if they are taking part in ECO4 Flex, or you can go straight to an energy supplier.

Ofgem maintains a list of participating companies.

These include:

  • British Gas
  • E (Gas & Electricity) Limited
  • E.ON UK Solutions
  • ecology
  • edf
  • octopus energy
  • exit the market
  • ovo
  • scottish power
  • So energy (including ESB energy)
  • utility warehouse
  • Utilita Energy Limited

Be wary of third-party websites claiming to provide access to ECO4. Many people are not associated with this scheme. Some may charge for services that you can use for free; There may be other scams. can you read Ofgem scam advice To know more.

What to do if your ECO4 home upgrade goes wrong

If you are not happy with the work done on your home, contact the supplier first. If that doesn’t work, Citizens Advice can offer help.

The ECO4 scheme is regulated by Ofgem, so any disputes relating to ECO4 eligibility, misuse of the grant, or poor workmanship may also fall under their oversight.

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