Grants & savings
Are there solar panel grants in Nottinghamshire in 2026?
Yes, for some households: lower-income homeowners and private renters may get solar panels free through the Warm Homes: Local Grant, worth up to £16,600 per home for energy upgrades. Everyone else can still save with 0% VAT until 31 March 2027 and export payments through the Smart Export Guarantee. ECO4 is winding down and should not be relied on.
Last checked October 2026 · 6 min read
0% VAT on solar ends 31 March 2027. That's under six months away, and it's due to go back to 5% after.
What the VAT change means for youThere is no grant that pays for solar panels for every household. But lower-income homes in Nottinghamshire may be able to get panels fitted free through the Warm Homes: Local Grant, and every household can benefit from 0% VAT and export payments. Here is what is available, and what is not, as of October 2026.
What solar grants are available in Nottinghamshire?
| Scheme | Who it helps | Status (Oct 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Warm Homes: Local Grant | Lower-income owners and private renters in less efficient homes | Open via councils, waiting lists |
| 0% VAT on solar and batteries | Every household | Until 31 March 2027 |
| Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) | Anyone with an MCS-certified install | Ongoing |
| Warm Homes Plan loans | Mainly owner-occupiers | Announced, no start date yet |
| ECO4 | Lower-income households | Winding down, ends 31 December 2026 |
What is the Warm Homes: Local Grant?
It is a government grant, run through local councils, that pays for energy upgrades in lower-income homes. Solar panels are an eligible measure, and batteries can be included when fitted alongside solar (GOV.UK guidance, July 2026).
The guidance caps funding at £16,600 per home for energy upgrades, plus a separate £16,600 for low-carbon heating. The scheme runs until 31 March 2028. Every Nottinghamshire council has access to this funding through the Midlands Net Zero Hub (Sunsave).
Who qualifies for the Warm Homes: Local Grant?
In general, you need to meet both of these (GOV.UK):
Your home: you own it or rent it privately, and its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is rated D, E, F or G. An EPC is the A–G energy rating every home sold or let should have.
Your income: gross household income below £36,000, or you receive certain means-tested benefits, or you live in an eligible postcode.
Councils decide who gets help and check the evidence. You cannot apply to the government directly.
Be aware: insulation usually comes first. Bassetlaw District Council says “insulation measures will be prioritised before the installation of renewables” (Bassetlaw DC).
How do I apply in my council area?
Bassetlaw (Retford, Worksop): contact Nottingham Energy Partnership (NEP), a local charity, on 0115 947 2207 or apply online. The council warns of a long waiting list and that processing can take several months (Bassetlaw DC).
Newark and Sherwood: the council secured £1,056,000 of Warm Homes: Local Grant funding for 2026–28, including solar for private rented homes. It says it will contact eligible residents (Newark and Sherwood DC).
Mansfield: a council report on £1,078,000 of funding says 2025/26 is for insulation only, with solar PV to be considered later (Mansfield DC). Contact the council to ask what is currently on offer.
Gedling, Broxtowe and Ashfield: Nottinghamshire County Council runs the grant for these districts, with NEP (Notts County Council).
What should I have ready when I apply?
Proof of income or benefits, such as payslips, a pension statement or a benefit letter. Councils do not accept self-declarations alone.
Your EPC rating. You can look it up for free on the government’s “Find an energy certificate” service. If you do not have one, Bassetlaw says one can be arranged as part of the scheme.
Proof you own the home, or your landlord’s details if you rent.
Private landlords can get one property fully funded if the tenant qualifies, then pay 50% towards each further property (GOV.UK; Bassetlaw DC).
Is ECO4 still available for solar panels?
Do not plan around ECO4. It was due to close on 31 March 2026. The government extended its end date to 31 December 2026, but only so energy suppliers can finish work they were already committed to. There are no new targets (GOV.UK).
Nottinghamshire County Council says its own involvement with ECO ended on 31 March 2026 (Notts County Council). If someone cold calls offering “free solar under ECO4”, treat it with caution and check them before giving any details.
What about the Warm Homes Plan?
The government announced a £15 billion Warm Homes Plan in January 2026, including £2 billion for low- or zero-interest consumer loans for things like solar and batteries. As of autumn 2026, there is no start date for the loans, and full details are due “later in 2026” (Sunsave). We will update this page when they launch.
How do I avoid grant scams?
Real council grant schemes are run through your council or its named partner, such as Nottingham Energy Partnership. Be careful if:
someone contacts you out of the blue saying you have “qualified” for free solar
you are asked to pay a fee to “unlock” a grant
you are pushed to sign or share bank details on the spot
If in doubt, ring your council on the number on its own website. Our installer guide covers more warning signs.
What help is there if I do not qualify for a grant?
0% VAT applies to every home solar and battery installation until 31 March 2027, then is due to rise to 5% (GOV.UK). See our VAT deadline guide.
The Smart Export Guarantee pays you for spare electricity you send to the grid. Rates vary from about 1–3p up to around 12–15p per kWh depending on the supplier. You need an MCS-certified installation and a smart or export meter (Voltflow).
For most households, the real saving comes from using your own solar power instead of buying electricity. Our cost and savings guide explains the numbers.
Quick answers
The short version, if you're in a hurry.
Can I get free solar panels in Nottinghamshire?
Possibly, if you are on a lower income and your home has an EPC rating of D to G. The Warm Homes: Local Grant can fund solar through your council, but insulation usually comes first and there are waiting lists.
Is ECO4 still running?
Only to let energy suppliers finish existing commitments. It was due to close on 31 March 2026, was extended to 31 December 2026 with no new targets, and should not be relied on for new solar.
How much is the Warm Homes: Local Grant worth?
Government guidance from July 2026 caps it at £16,600 per home for energy upgrades, plus a separate £16,600 for low-carbon heating.
What is the income limit for the Warm Homes: Local Grant?
Usually a gross household income below £36,000, though some households qualify through means-tested benefits or an eligible postcode.
Who do I contact about grants in Bassetlaw?
Bassetlaw District Council directs residents to Nottingham Energy Partnership on 0115 947 2207 or its online form.
Are there 0% solar loans available now?
Not yet. The Warm Homes Plan includes £2 billion for consumer loans, but no start date had been set as of autumn 2026.
Do I get paid for electricity I export?
Yes, through the Smart Export Guarantee, if your system is MCS-certified and you have a smart or export meter. Rates vary a lot between suppliers.
Solar in your part of Nottinghamshire
Local guides with council rules, grants and the villages each one covers.
Solar panels in Retford
Bassetlaw District Council · DN22
Read the Retford guideSolar panels in Worksop
Bassetlaw District Council · S80, S81
Read the Worksop guideSolar panels in Newark
Newark and Sherwood District Council · NG24, NG23
Read the Newark guideSolar panels in Mansfield
Mansfield District Council · NG18, NG19, NG20, NG21
Read the Mansfield guideMore guides
Sources
Figures last checked October 2026.
- GOV.UK – Warm Homes: Local Grant policy guidance (July 2026)
- Sunsave – solar panels in Nottingham
- Bassetlaw District Council – Warm Homes: Local Grant
- Newark and Sherwood District Council – Warm Homes funding news (April 2026)
- Mansfield District Council – Acceptance of Funding for Warm Homes Local Grant project
- Nottinghamshire County Council – Notts Home Energy Support
- GOV.UK – Extending the ECO4 end date: government response
- Sunsave – The Warm Homes Plan
- GOV.UK – VAT on energy-saving materials (Notice 708/6)
- Voltflow – solar panel grants UK 2026