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people expect — and getting the sequence wrong can cause delays. This guide walks through the full process for the main 2026 UK schemes.", "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": "How long does the whole process take?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I choose which installer does the work?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if I'm told I don't qualify?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The 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." } } ] } ] --- [![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 # How to Apply for Solar Grants: Step-by-Step Guide Applying for a solar grant has more steps than most people expect — and getting the sequence wrong can cause delays. This guide walks through the full process for the main 2026 UK schemes. By **Alliant Energy Team**· reviewed by MCS Registered Engineer Last updated 19 May 2026 [Start your grant application](/request-callback) [Request a callback](/request-callback) On this page - [Which scheme](#scheme) - [Confirm eligibility](#eligibility) - [Property assessment](#assessment) - [Grant application](#application) - [Installation](#install) - [MCS & SEG](#mcs) - [Common mistakes](#mistakes) - [FAQ](#faq) Ready to act? Free quote in one working day. [Get a Quote →](/quote) 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 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 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 Alliant handles the retrofit assessment as part of our service — you don't need to find a separate assessor. We're qualified to conduct assessments under PAS 2035. ## 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. [Start your application](/request-callback) [Request a callback](/request-callback) ## 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 Eligibility checks and applications are free through approved installers. Companies charging for this are not operating correctly. ## 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 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. 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)