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For eligible households, that can include a fully installed solar PV system at no cost.", "image": "https://alliantenergy.co.uk/assets/grants-D3CQf_ef.jpg", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Alliant Energy Team", "url": "https://alliantenergy.co.uk/about" }, "reviewedBy": { "@type": "Person", "name": "MCS Registered Engineer", "jobTitle": "MCS Registered Engineer" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Alliant Energy", "url": "https://alliantenergy.co.uk", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://alliantenergy.co.uk/logo.png" } }, "datePublished": "2026-01-15", "dateModified": "2026-05-19" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I get ECO4 funding even if I own my home?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. ECO4 is available to owner-occupiers, not just tenants. You need to meet the benefit/income eligibility and your property needs to be below EPC C." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "My property has never had an EPC. Does that affect eligibility?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You can commission an EPC before applying — £60–£120 from an accredited assessor. Older properties in lower-income areas often have presumed ratings based on construction type and age. We can advise based on your property type." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Will I have to pay anything back if I move house?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. ECO4 grants are not repayable loans. The funded measures remain with the property and transfer to the new owner. There is no repayment obligation even if you sell shortly after installation." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are there enough funds left in ECO4?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "ECO4 funding is delivered through ongoing obligations on energy suppliers rather than a single fixed pot. Under the Warm Homes Plan, funding has been extended and expanded. We'll confirm the current position when you enquire." } } ] } ] --- [![Alliant Energy — Renewable Energy Solutions](/__l5e/assets-v1/3bd22195-cc6e-43e6-b5ff-5a808ce292d3/alliantenergyltd-2.svg)](/) [Home](/)[About](/about-us) [Services](/services) [Guides](/guides)[Case Studies](/case-study)[![Levelise](/__l5e/assets-v1/59fd362e-361a-47d7-ad1f-65e9beeb5289/levelise-logo.webp)](/guides/levelise-hub-explained) [01282 501589](tel:01282501589)[Get a Quote →](/quote) Spoke guide · Grants # ECO4 Solar Panels: Do You Qualify for a Free Install? ECO4 requires large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements for lower-income and fuel-poor households. For eligible households, that can include a fully installed solar PV system at no cost. By **Alliant Energy Team**· reviewed by MCS Registered Engineer Last updated 19 May 2026 [Check ECO4 eligibility](/request-callback) [Request a free energy review](/request-callback) On this page - [What is ECO4?](#what) - [Who qualifies](#qualifies) - [What it covers](#covers) - [In practice](#practice) - [What it doesn't cover](#limits) - [How to check](#check) - [FAQ](#faq) Ready to act? Free quote in one working day. [Get a Quote →](/quote) ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation 4) is a government scheme requiring large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements for lower-income households. Solar can be installed under ECO4 as part of a qualifying package — but eligibility isn't automatic. ## What is ECO4? ECO4 is the fourth phase of the Energy Company Obligation — a policy requiring suppliers with 150,000+ customers (British Gas, Octopus, EDF, etc.) to fund home energy efficiency improvements for eligible households. Suppliers pay for the installations; the government sets targets and eligibility rules. The scheme focuses primarily on the least energy-efficient homes — those rated EPC E, F or G — occupied by lower-income households. Insulation and heating measures are prioritised, but solar panels are eligible as part of a broader whole-house package. Status ECO4 was originally scheduled to end March 2026. Under the Warm Homes Plan, its funding and focus has been extended and expanded. We can confirm current availability of ECO4-funded solar when you enquire. ## Who qualifies for ECO4 solar panels? Eligibility has two components: your household's financial situation, and your property's energy efficiency rating. Financial eligibility (one of the following): - Universal Credit - Housing Benefit - Child Tax Credit / Working Tax Credit - Income Support - Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) - Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit) - Child Benefit (household income below ~£31,000) Property eligibility: - EPC rating of E, F or G (primary target) - EPC D may be eligible in some circumstances — particularly with qualifying benefits Check your EPC Not sure of your EPC rating? Look it up free at epcregister.com. If it's D, E, F or G, and you're on a qualifying benefit, you very likely qualify. ## What does ECO4 cover for solar? ECO4 typically funds solar panels as part of a 'whole-house' approach rather than as a standalone measure. Your installation may include: - Solar PV panels (typically 6–12 panels on a south-facing roof) - Battery storage alongside the panels in some cases - Insulation measures (loft, wall) as part of the same package - Heating controls or storage heater upgrades The exact mix depends on your survey results and the funding stream. Alliant will conduct a full assessment and tell you exactly what your property qualifies for. ## What ECO4 solar looks like in practice For a qualifying household in a 3-bed semi with an EPC of E: - A retrofit assessor surveys the property - A package is recommended — typically loft insulation, 6–8 solar panels, and possibly a smart thermostat - The package is approved by the energy supplier funding the work - Alliant installs the approved measures — at no cost to the householder - MCS certification is issued — qualifying the household for SEG payments - The EPC rating typically improves by 2–3 bands The full process from enquiry to completed installation typically takes 8–16 weeks. ### Check your ECO4 eligibility in minutes It takes a quick conversation. We'll tell you straight away whether ECO4 or Warm Homes Plan funding applies. [Check eligibility](/request-callback) [Request a callback](/request-callback) ## What ECO4 doesn't cover ECO4 doesn't fund solar as a standalone measure for homeowners who don't meet the financial and property eligibility criteria. If you own your home outright, aren't on qualifying benefits and your property is EPC C or above, ECO4 isn't the route for you — but the Warm Homes Plan (with broader eligibility) may still apply. ECO4 also doesn't cover: commercial properties; new-build properties; holiday homes or second homes; or improvements to properties already at EPC C or above in most cases. ## How to check your eligibility The fastest route is to contact us. We check eligibility as the first step of our free energy review — it takes minutes and we'll tell you straight away whether ECO4 or Warm Homes Plan funding is likely to apply. If you prefer to check independently first, Simple Energy Advice (simpleenergyadvice.org.uk) is the government's official eligibility checking tool. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I get ECO4 funding even if I own my home? Yes. ECO4 is available to owner-occupiers, not just tenants. You need to meet the benefit/income eligibility and your property needs to be below EPC C. ### My property has never had an EPC. Does that affect eligibility? You can commission an EPC before applying — £60–£120 from an accredited assessor. Older properties in lower-income areas often have presumed ratings based on construction type and age. We can advise based on your property type. ### Will I have to pay anything back if I move house? No. ECO4 grants are not repayable loans. The funded measures remain with the property and transfer to the new owner. There is no repayment obligation even if you sell shortly after installation. ### Are there enough funds left in ECO4? ECO4 funding is delivered through ongoing obligations on energy suppliers rather than a single fixed pot. Under the Warm Homes Plan, funding has been extended and expanded. We'll confirm the current position when you enquire. Three ways to get started ## Ready to find out what solar saves you? Get a tailored quote in one working day. No obligation. No hard sell. Speak to a renewable energy engineer — not a salesperson — at a time that suits you. [Get a Quote → ](/quote) [Request a Callback →](/request-callback) [Download Brochure →](/brochure) Accreditations ## Certified, registered, and insured. Every time. MCS certification isn't a box-ticking exercise — it qualifies your system for Smart Export Guarantee payments and government grants. Our installers are also NICEIC-approved and TrustMark-registered, and every install is fully insured. ![Citation ISO Certification: ISO 9001 quality management, ISO 14001 environmental management and ISO 45001 occupational health and safety](/__l5e/assets-v1/180183cd-e6fd-4b0a-984c-83e6a41390d7/accreditations-iso.jpg) ![Alliant Energy — Renewable Energy Solutions](/assets/logo-IFrgP5Dc.png) Renewable energy & energy-saving specialists. MCS-registered solar PV, battery storage, heat pumps and EV charging across the UK. #### Quick Links - [Home](/) - [About Us](/about-us) - [Services](/services) - [Case Studies](/case-study) - [Areas We Cover](/solar-panel-quotes-north-west) - [Contact](/contact) - [Privacy Policy](/privacy) - [Terms & Conditions](/terms) #### Services - [Solar for Homes](/services/solar) - [Commercial Solar](/services/commercial-solar) - [Battery Storage](/services/battery-storage) - [Air Source Heat Pumps](/services/heat-pumps) - [EV Charging](/services/ev-charging) - [Energy Saving Advice](/services/energy-saving-advice) #### Contact - [01282 501589](tel:01282501589) - [info@alliantenergy.co.uk](mailto:info@alliantenergy.co.uk) - Unit 214 Northlight Industries, Pendle Road, Brierfield, Nelson BB9 5FL [Get a Quote](/quote)[Brochure](/brochure) Alliant Energy Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative (Financial Services Register No. 1020779) of Phoenix Financial Consultants Limited (Phoenix). Phoenix is a credit broker, not a lender. Phoenix is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 539195), and offers finance from its panel of lenders. All finance subject to status and credit checks. © 2026 Alliant Energy Ltd. All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](/privacy)[Terms & Conditions](/terms) MCS Registered · TrustMark · NICEIC [Chat with AI](/chat) [Call back](/request-callback) [Get a Quote](/quote) [Get a Brochure](/brochure) [Get a Quote](/quote) [Chat with AI](/chat)