Solar Panel Grants Scotland – How to Get Funding for Solar Panels in Scotland

Installing solar panels in Scotland has become one of the most effective ways to reduce energy bills, improve your home’s energy efficiency, and contribute to a greener future. With fluctuating energy prices and rising demand for renewable energy, more homeowners in Scotland are turning to solar panel systems to power their homes sustainably and save on energy costs.

As technology has advanced, the cost of solar panels has dropped dramatically. Today, the cost of installing solar panels is around 61% lower than it was a decade ago, making it more affordable for households to install solar panels and start producing solar energy. Despite these savings, the initial cost of solar can still be significant — but with the right solar panel grant, grants for solar panels, and government grants available in Scotland, homeowners can reduce upfront expenses or even get free solar panels.

This comprehensive guide explains the solar panel grants available in Scotland, including Home Energy Scotland grants and loans, how to apply for free solar panels, and how solar panels work to help you reduce your energy bills and boost your property’s energy performance certificate rating.

Why Solar Panels Are Growing in Popularity in Scotland

The Scottish Government has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, and renewable energy sources like solar power are key to achieving this. Over 56,000 households already have solar PV systems installed, and many more are now considering getting solar panels as part of broader energy efficiency measures.

There are many benefits to installing a solar panel system:

• Energy savings: Generate clean solar energy and help reduce energy bills.
• Energy independence: Reduce reliance on traditional energy companies and pay for energy on your own terms.
• Property value: Solar panels can increase the value of your home and improve its low energy performance certificate rating.
• Sustainability: Lower your carbon footprint by using renewable energy to power appliances.

Can You Get Free Solar Panels in Scotland?

The good news is that there are several ways to make solar panel installation in Scotland more affordable. Currently, you may be eligible for free solar panels or substantial financial support through grant schemes such as the Home Energy Scotland Loan.

At present, you can get a solar panel grant worth up to £1,250, plus a £4,750 optional loan, totalling £6,000 in funding. This grant funding can significantly reduce the cost of solar panels and make installing solar panels more accessible.

These government grants are designed to provide funding for home improvements, including solar panel installation, to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption across Scotland and the UK.

Home Energy Scotland Loan and Grant Funding

The Home Energy Scotland Loan and Home Energy Scotland Grant schemes are among the most popular options available in Scotland. These grants and funding initiatives help homeowners in Scotland make their homes more energy efficient and reduce the cost of installing solar panels.

What Is the Home Energy Scotland Loan?

The Home Energy Scotland Loan provides interest-free loans of up to £5,000 to support solar panel installation and other energy saving measures, including:

• Renewable energy systems such as solar PV, heat pumps, or wind turbines.
• Energy efficient upgrades like double or triple glazing.
• Low-carbon heating systems such as modern boilers.

The loan is completely interest-free and can be repaid over 5–10 years. Successful applicants will pay a small 1.5% administration fee. This scotland grant and loan scheme makes getting solar panels far more affordable and accessible.

Who Can Apply for a Home Energy Scotland Grant?

Every homeowner who lives in Scotland can apply for the Home Energy Scotland loan and may be eligible for a Home Energy Scotland grant. Eligibility depends on several factors, including credit rating and the type of work being carried out. Once approved, you’ll have six months to install the solar panels.

Selling Solar Energy Back to the Grid

Another major benefit of solar panel installation is that you can sell any excess solar energy you produce back to the grid.

Feed-in Tariff and Smart Export Guarantee

While the original Feed-in Tariff ended in 2019, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) now ensures that energy suppliers with more than 150,000 customers offer a tariff to pay homeowners for energy back to the grid.

If you have solar PV panels, wind turbines, or other renewable energy sources, you can get paid for the electricity you export. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a typical 4kWp system could earn you around £94 per year, on top of the £200–£250 saved on energy bills.

Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES)

The Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), run by Local Energy Scotland, aims to provide funding for community-based renewable energy projects. While not available to individuals, this grant scheme can fund the supply and installation of solar systems on community buildings.

CARES funding often takes the form of low-interest loans or grants. If you’re developing a community solar project, funding is available to help you get started.

Warmer Homes Scotland and Energy Company Obligation

Additional support for solar panel installation comes from schemes like Warmer Homes Scotland and the Energy Company Obligation scheme (ECO4). These programmes fund energy saving measures for low-income households or those with a low energy performance certificate rating.

If you meet the criteria, you may be eligible for free solar panels or other upgrades that help reduce energy bills and improve your home’s efficiency.

Applying for Solar Panel Grants in Scotland

If you’re considering applying for a solar grant, here’s how to get started:

1. Check eligibility: Confirm you’re eligible for schemes such as Home Energy Scotland, Warmer Homes Scotland, or the Energy Company Obligation 4.

2. Free energy opportunities assessment: Arrange a survey to assess your property’s suitability.

3. Apply for free solar panels: Submit an application to apply for the Home Energy Scotland loan or grant.

4. Install the solar panels: Once approved, you’ll have six months to complete your solar pv installation.

Why Solar Panels Are a Smart Investment

Even without a solar battery, modern pv panels are highly efficient and can significantly cut your energy costs. Many households in Scotland are discovering that solar panels can increase their property’s value while delivering long-term energy savings.

With funding for solar panels and funding for home improvements readily available in Scotland to help offset costs, now is the best time to install in Scotland and take advantage of the many free solar pv opportunities.

 

 

Contact Greener Energy Group

At Greener Energy Group, we specialise in the supply and installation of solar systems across Scotland and the UK. Our highly efficient solar PV panels come with an industry-leading 25-year performance guarantee, and we even include a free solar battery and EV charger with every system.

Whether you’re looking to apply for free solar panels or explore funding for free solar, our experts can guide you through the process.

Home Suitability Survey

Contact us today on 03335 77 66 99 or complete our Home Suitability Survey to see how much Scotland can save by switching to renewable energy.

Greener Energy Group are one of the UK’s leading solar panel installers.