Solar PV Grants

Solar panel grants for the installation of solar PV systems are available in the form of Government incentives via the feed-in tariff (Fit) scheme.

Unlike the Renewable Heat Incentive, which provides one-off grants to help fund the purchase of green heating technologies, there are no Government grants available to provide financial assistance when it comes to paying for a solar PV system.

Government funded grants ended in February 2010, two months prior to the launch of the feed-in tariff scheme, which was introduced in April 2010. Currently, the only assistance available to help with the installation of solar PV systems is via the FiTs scheme, which has been designed to encourage people to take advantage of the growing number of renewable energy technologies, and to help the UK Government reach its 2020 renewables targets.

Solar PV systems are most financially viable if you have the money to fund the purchase and installation of the solar panels. This is because aside from benefiting from reduced electricity bills, you’ll also be eligible for the feed-in tariff scheme.

However, if you do not have the funds available, a variety of firms are offering customers “free solar”. Otherwise known as the “rent-a-roof” scheme, these firms will offer to fit and maintain solar panels on your roof for free.

While the prospect of having free solar panels installed might sound enticing, it’s worth remembering that not only will that company essentially be renting your roof for the next 25 years, while you’ll benefit from reduced electricity bills, you will not be able to take advantage of the lucrative FiTs.

Free solar schemes benefit the installation companies because they will earn money from the feed-in-tariffs – and not, in this instance, the homeowner.