ECO4 scheme: How to apply for free solar panels in the UK

If you’re thinking about installing solar panels but are concerned about affordability, there’s good news: several funding and solar panel grants are available to help offset the cost. The government’s ECO4 scheme is one of the most significant, supporting low-income households with free or heavily subsidised energy upgrades, including solar panels, insulation and heating improvements.

Before applying, it’s worth understanding the cost of solar panels and how they compare with potential long-term savings. For an in-depth look at performance and reliability, see our guide to the best solar panels available in the UK, or explore whether solar panels are worth it for your home’s energy needs.

ECO4 is part of the government’s broader Energy Company Obligation 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 funding to make your home more energy efficient. Below, we explain who qualifies, how to apply, and what types of upgrades the scheme can cover.

What is the ECO4 scheme and how does it work?

If you or someone you live with qualifies for state benefits, then the ECO4 grant could help you. ECO4 is a government-backed energy efficiency scheme designed to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions. As the name suggests, it’s the fourth phase of the Energy Company Obligation, and it runs until 31 March 2026. It is funded by major energy companies and regulated by Ofgem.

The ECO4, therefore, is not a traditional government grant; rather, it is an obligation from the government on energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency upgrades in eligible households.

ECO4 eligibility: who qualifies for the ECO4 grant?

You may qualify if your household income is less than £31,000, you live in private housing (i.e. not council-owned), and you receive one of the following benefits:

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

You can find out what energy rating your home has on the government website. It covers properties in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. This includes homes, business properties and public buildings.

What does the ECO4 grant cover and what’s not included?

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

The scheme is for broad energy efficiency, so you might find that insulation and a smart thermostat are better uses of the funding for your energy use.

What the ECO4 scheme covers

What the ECO4 scheme does not cover

How to apply for the ECO4 scheme

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

Ofgem maintains a list of companies taking part.

These include:

Be cautious of third-party websites claiming to offer access to ECO4. Many are not affiliated with the scheme. Some may charge fees for services you can access for free; others may be scams. You can read Ofgem’s scam advice to learn more.

What to do if your ECO4 home upgrade goes wrong

If you aren’t happy with the work that’s done on your home, first contact the supplier. If that doesn’t work, Citizens Advice can offer support.

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