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ECO4 Solar Panel Grant Scotland

The ECO4 Solar Panel Grant provides 100% free solar panel installation for eligible households in Scotland through the government-backed Energy Company Obligation scheme. This grant covers the full cost of solar PV panel supply and installation with no repayment required. The scheme runs from April 2022 until 2026 with £4 billion of funding set aside to help eligible households install renewable energy technologies. Solar panels are provided as part of a whole-house approach to energy efficiency, typically installed alongside primary measures such as heat pumps or insulation upgrades. The program aims to help lower-income families reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint while supporting Scotland's goal to reach net zero by 2050. Eligibility requires that a household member claims a means-tested benefit such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Tax Credits, or Pension Credits. Properties must have an existing EPC rating of D, E, F, or G, indicating they are not already energy efficient. Households receiving Child Benefit with income below specified thresholds may also qualify. The grant covers solar panel installation completely, though energy storage batteries are not included but can be added separately at the homeowner's expense. Once installed, solar panels enable households to generate their own renewable electricity, reducing reliance on the grid and substantially lowering energy costs. Homeowners can also benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), earning payments for surplus energy exported back to the grid. The ECO4 scheme takes a comprehensive approach, also providing funding for heat pump installations, modern heating controls, and various insulation measures to maximize energy efficiency and carbon savings.

Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant and Loan Scheme

Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan Scheme provides grants and interest-free loans that are targeted at individuals who plan to make specific alterations in their own home in order to improve their environmental impact, sustainability and ensure they have lower carbon footprint. The Scottish Government provides funding to eligible owner-occupiers in Scotland to help with the cost of installing energy efficiency improvements, low and zero emission heating, other home renewables systems, and heat network connections. Applicants for HES scheme must be referred to EST by Home Energy Scotland and provide a unique invitation code before being able to complete an application. Funding operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to availability, or until the end of the financial year. After receiving an application, eligibility is assessed, and if applying for loan funds, affordability and credit checks are carried out. Successful applicants receive a funding offer and have up to nine months to carry out the work and claim funding.