From eligibility check to commissioned system, most grant-funded installations complete in 8–16 weeks. Here are the six steps and how to avoid the delays that catch people out.
Step 1: Check which scheme applies to you
Several overlapping grant schemes exist; which one applies depends on your circumstances.
| Scheme | Who it's for | Covers solar? |
|---|---|---|
| Warm Homes Plan | Lower-income households, EPC below C, owner-occupiers and renters | Yes — as part of a package |
| ECO4 | Households on qualifying benefits, EPC E/F/G | Yes — as part of a package |
| Great British Insulation Scheme | Lower-income households, EPC D or below | No — insulation only |
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme | Any homeowner replacing gas boiler with heat pump | No — heat pumps only |
| Home Energy Scotland | Scottish households — all incomes | Yes |
| 0% VAT on solar | All UK homeowners | Yes — 20% saving on installation cost |
For most homeowners, the relevant schemes are the Warm Homes Plan and ECO4. If you don't qualify for either, 0% VAT is the baseline benefit available to everyone.
Step 2: Confirm your eligibility
The quickest route is a call or a callback form. We check eligibility as the first step of our free energy review. You'll need to tell us:
- Whether you're on any qualifying benefits
- Your property's current EPC rating (check at epcregister.com)
- Whether you own or rent your property
- Your rough household income if you're not on qualifying benefits
We'll tell you which scheme(s) apply and what the likely funding looks like — usually within the same conversation.
Step 3: Property assessment
All grant-funded installations require a property assessment before work begins. This serves two purposes: confirming eligibility and determining which measures are appropriate. The assessment is free under all the major grant schemes.
For solar, the assessor confirms roof orientation, pitch and suitability; assesses the property's overall energy performance; recommends a package of measures (which may include insulation alongside solar); and produces a Retrofit Assessment report that forms the basis of the grant application.
One team
Step 4: Grant application
Once the assessment is complete, the grant application is submitted. Under ECO4 and Warm Homes Plan, the application goes to the energy supplier or scheme administrator funding the work — not directly to the government.
- Submitting the Retrofit Assessment report
- Confirming your eligibility documentation (benefit letters, EPC)
- Agreeing the package of measures to be installed
- Receiving written confirmation of grant approval before any work begins
Approval typically takes 2–6 weeks. We manage this process entirely on your behalf — you receive updates at each stage.
Let us handle the paperwork
Eligibility check, assessment, application and installation — one team, one process.
Step 5: Installation
Once grant approval is received, installation is scheduled. For a typical domestic solar installation under a grant scheme: Day 1 — scaffolding erected, panels and inverter installed; Day 2 (if applicable) — battery installation and electrical commissioning; end of installation — system tested, MCS certificate issued, app setup and handover.
The installation itself is identical to a privately funded installation — same MCS certification, same components, same quality standards. The grant covers the cost; it doesn't change what you get.
Step 6: MCS certificate and SEG registration
Within a few days of commissioning, your MCS installation certificate is issued. This confirms your system was installed to MCS standards, qualifies you for Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments, and is required for any future warranty claims.
Once you have your MCS certificate, you register for SEG payments with your chosen energy supplier. From the day you register, you earn money for every unit of solar electricity you export — regardless of whether your system was privately funded or grant-funded.
Common mistakes that delay applications
- Not having an up-to-date EPC. If yours is missing or more than 10 years old, commission a new one early. £60–£120, one week.
- Missing benefit documentation. Have your most recent benefit award letters ready. UC and other DWP benefits can be evidenced through your online account.
- Using a non-approved installer. Only approved installers can access grant funding.
- Proceeding before approval. Never agree to installation before written grant approval is received.
Never pay an 'eligibility check' fee
Frequently asked questions
How long does the whole process take?
From first eligibility check to completed installation: typically 8–16 weeks under ECO4 or Warm Homes Plan. The main variable is grant approval time (2–6 weeks). Installation itself is 1–2 days.
Can I choose which installer does the work?
Under grant schemes the work must be carried out by an approved installer, but you can choose which one. We'd encourage you to compare at least two approved installers before committing.
What if I'm told I don't qualify?
The 0% VAT rate still applies to your installation regardless — a 20% saving. We'll also explore Great British Insulation Scheme and Boiler Upgrade Scheme routes where appropriate.
