Getting Solar Panels Through the Scheme

Solar panels generate free electricity from sunlight, reducing your energy bills and carbon footprint. The Warm Homes Plan can include solar panel installation for eligible households.

Not every home qualifies for solar panels. Suitability depends on your roof condition, orientation, and available space. This guide explains the criteria and what to expect.

Benefits of solar panels

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity you can use in your home. This reduces the amount you buy from the grid.

Energy bill savings

A typical solar panel system generates 3,000-4,000 kWh of electricity per year. This can save £400-600 annually depending on your energy usage.

You use the electricity as it's generated during daylight hours. Excess power can be exported to the grid for a small payment.

Battery storage is not usually included in the scheme. This means you cannot store excess generation for use at night.

Environmental impact

Solar electricity is renewable and produces no carbon emissions. A typical home system prevents 1.5 tonnes of CO2 per year.

This contributes to the UK's net zero targets. You reduce your household's environmental impact significantly.

Eligibility for solar panels

Solar panel eligibility has two parts: qualifying for the Warm Homes Plan generally, and having a suitable property for panels.

General scheme eligibility

You must meet the standard Warm Homes Plan criteria first. This means qualifying by benefits or household income.

Read our guide on general eligibility requirements to see if you qualify for the scheme.

Property suitability assessment

Even if you qualify for the scheme, your property may not be suitable for solar panels. The survey checks several factors.

Roof condition and age

Your roof must be in good condition with at least 15 years of remaining life. Solar panels last 25-30 years, so a sound roof is essential.

If your roof needs repair or replacement, this is not covered by the scheme. You would need to address roof issues before solar installation.

Roof orientation

South-facing roofs generate the most electricity. Southeast and southwest orientations also work well.

North-facing roofs are generally not suitable as they receive insufficient sunlight. East and west-facing roofs may qualify if other factors are favorable.

Available roof space

A typical solar panel measures 1.7m by 1m. You need space for at least 6-8 panels to make installation worthwhile.

Roof obstructions like chimneys, dormers, or skylights reduce available space. The surveyor assesses whether sufficient clear area exists.

Shading assessment

Trees, nearby buildings, or other structures should not shade your roof significantly. Even partial shading reduces system output.

The surveyor uses specialized tools to map shading throughout the year. They can determine if shading will impact performance too much.

What's included in the installation

If your property qualifies, the installation includes all necessary equipment and work.

Solar panels and mounting

Panels are mounted on your roof using a racking system. This is secured into the roof structure following building regulations.

Panels are usually installed in portrait orientation in rows. The exact layout depends on your available roof space.

Inverter and wiring

An inverter converts the DC electricity from panels into AC electricity for your home. This is usually installed in your loft or garage.

Wiring runs from the roof to the inverter, then to your consumer unit. All electrical work is certified to current standards.

Monitoring equipment

Most systems include monitoring so you can see how much electricity you generate. This is usually accessed via a smartphone app or web portal.

Solar panels and heat pumps

The scheme may install solar panels alongside a heat pump. This combination provides excellent benefits.

Solar panels generate electricity during the day. Your heat pump uses some of this electricity, reducing running costs further.

Even in winter, solar panels generate useful amounts of electricity. Heat pumps and solar work well together year-round.

Installation timeline

Solar panel installation typically adds 1-2 days to your overall upgrade timeline. The panels are usually installed after other work completes.

Installers need good weather for roof work. The installation may be rescheduled if conditions are unsuitable.

You receive training on monitoring your system and understanding the generation display. The inverter shows current output and total generation.

Next steps

To find out if you qualify for the Warm Homes Plan and whether solar panels might be included, use our eligibility checker.

The initial survey determines if your property is suitable for solar. The surveyor provides clear recommendations based on your home's characteristics.