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WHLS Warm Homes Loan Scheme

Last checked: 30 October 2026

Solar Panel Finance Solutions for Eco-conscious Families

How to fund rooftop solar, what drives the cost and how the Warm Homes Loan Scheme applies.

Red brick semi-detached house with black solar panels on its tiled roof on a sunny day

Overview

We help UK homeowners understand how to pay for solar panels. This page covers your funding routes, the factors that shape your quote and the risks to avoid. We use published sources from GOV.UK, the Energy Saving Trust, MCS and MoneySavingExpert. Each child guide below goes into one topic in more detail.

We do not quote prices, because costs depend on your home and change often. The most reliable figure is a written quote from an MCS-certified installer. We show you what to ask for, so you can compare quotes fairly.

Independent guide. We are not a lender or a government body. Always check current scheme rules with the official provider.

Ways to pay for solar panels

Most homeowners use savings, a loan or installer finance. The Warm Homes Loan Scheme now adds a government-backed loan option. Its maximum for solar panels is £15,000, and battery storage has a separate £15,000 maximum. Treasury backing lets lenders offer rates up to 5 percentage points below their normal rates.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant does not list solar panels among its grant categories. Low-income households may qualify for fully funded upgrades through separate Warm Homes Plan grant routes. Check official advice from the Energy Saving Trust to see which route suits you.

What shapes the cost of your system

Six factors drive most solar quotes. The first is system size, which follows your energy use and roof space. The second is your roof type and condition. Scaffolding, the inverter and any battery add-on also change the total. An MCS-certified installation is the final factor, and many funding routes require it.

Ask each installer to list these items on a written quote. An itemised quote lets you see where prices differ. Our cost breakdown guide explains each factor in turn.

Choosing safely

Subsidised products attract both good installers and poor ones. Use the MCS installer search to find certified firms near you. Check any lender on the official scheme list and the FCA register. Compare the total amount you repay across each option.

White solar inverter and two grey isolator switches mounted on the wall of a bright utility room beside a washing machine

Install Solar Panels Cost Breakdown for UK Homeowners

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Frequently asked questions

Is there a government grant for solar panels?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme does not list solar panels. Low-income households may qualify for fully funded upgrades through separate Warm Homes Plan routes, so check official advice.

How much can I borrow for solar panels under the Warm Homes Loan Scheme?

The maximum is £15,000 for solar panels. Battery storage has its own £15,000 maximum.

Can I apply for the loan now?

Not yet. The Government has not confirmed eligibility rules or how and when you apply.

Why do you not show solar panel prices?

Prices depend on your home and change often. A written quote from an MCS-certified installer gives you an accurate figure.

How many quotes should I get?

Get two or three written quotes from MCS-certified installers. This helps you spot inflated prices.