Solar Decisions

Warm Homes: Local Grant – what installers need to know

A fantastic opportunity awaits renewable energy installation professionals, with the government targeting up to 5 million homes across England for renewable energy upgrades.

Warm Homes: Local Grant logo

The Warm Homes: Local Grant is part of the UK Government’s evolving strategy to tackle rising energy costs and boost the nation’s energy security. It’s a key feature of the Warm Homes Plan, which has been allocated £15bn to fund free home improvement packages for low-income families.

The Warm Homes Plan was published in January and ministers are now speeding up roll-out in response to rising energy prices and volatility driven by the war in the Middle East.

These schemes represent a fantastic opportunity for both householders and installers alike.

Key benefits for installers

  1. Increased demand and lead flow
    The Warm Homes: Local Grant could generate a steady stream of funded projects, reducing reliance on self-generated leads.
  2. More predictable work pipeline
    Council-backed schemes provide consistent project flow, helping with planning, staffing, and scaling operations.
  3. Higher-value, bundled projects
    Installers can deliver whole-home upgrades (insulation + heating + renewables), increasing job size and revenue per customer.
  4. Easier sales conversions
    With funding in place, there’s less price resistance, shortening sales cycles and improving close rates.
  5. Reputation and long-term growth
    Working on government-supported schemes builds credibility and can lead to repeat work, referrals, and partnerships.

 

Key benefits for households

  1. Reduced or zero upfront costs
    Low-income families could receive fully funded installations up to a cost of £12,000, while higher earners will get low or zero interest loans.
  2. Lower energy bills
    Improved efficiency and heating systems lead to ongoing savings on energy costs.
  3. Warmer, more comfortable homes
    Insulation and heating improvements result in better temperature control and living conditions.
  4. Access to trusted installers
    Work is typically carried out by approved, vetted contractors, reducing risk.
  5. Improved property value and future readiness
    Energy-efficient homes are more attractive to buyers and better aligned with future regulations and energy standards.

 

Home eligibility check

  • Homes must be privately owned (by you or your landlord)
  • Household income must usually be £36,000 a year or less. Eligibility is still open above this figure, depending on:
    • postcode area
  • someone in the household getting certain benefits
  • Home Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) must be D, E, F or G – if you do not know your home’s EPC, you can find it out when you apply

 

Types of installations

The Warm Homes: Local Grant covers a wide range of installations, broadly separated into three categories:

  1. Energy efficiency measures: insulation (e.g. loft, wall, underfloor, roof); double/triple glazing and draught-proofing; low-energy lighting.
  2. Low-carbon and renewable technologies: solar panels, battery storage, air/ground source heat pumps.
  3. Smart systems: heating controls and ventilation improvements (damp/mould prevention.

It’s worth noting that councils are prioritising installations in this order, and that measures will be tailored per property. Installations have already started, but local authorities across England are at different stages of rollout.

Homeowners/tenants can check eligibility and apply at the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/apply-warm-homes-local-grant

Installers, check out our range of Solar PV and Battery Storage equipment here: https://www.solardecisions.co.uk/shop/

If you have any questions, drop us a line at sales@solardecisions.co.uk and we’ll be delighted to help!