Home Battery Grants 2026
Home battery storage qualifies for free installation under the Warm Homes: Local Grant for low-income households. A new £2,500 grant for heat batteries launches in 2026/27.
Current Battery Storage Funding Options
| Funding Route | Amount | Availability | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm Homes: Local Grant | Free (up to £30,000 total) | Now | Low-income households |
| Heat Battery Grant | £2,500 | Late 2026/early 2027 | All homeowners |
| Consumer Loan Scheme | Government-backed loan | April 2027 | All homeowners |
| 0% VAT | 0% (included in price) | Now | All residential |
Warm Homes: Local Grant (Free Batteries)
Low-income households can receive free battery storage as part of a Warm Homes: Local Grant energy upgrade package.
How It Works
Battery storage is included alongside other measures:
- Solar PV panels
- Insulation (wall, floor, roof)
- Heat pumps (if off-gas)
- Smart controls
The grant covers 100% of costs for eligible households—no contribution required.
Typical Battery Value
You pay: £0
Eligibility Requirements
Income criteria (one of):
- Household income at or below £36,000 per year, OR
- Receipt of means-tested benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, etc.)
Property criteria (all of):
- EPC rating of D, E, F, or G
- Owner-occupied or private rental (landlord permission needed)
- Located in England
Note: The retrofit assessor determines which measures suit your property. Battery storage is typically included when solar panels are recommended.
Heat Battery Grant (£2,500)
A new £2,500 grant for heat batteries launches through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in 2026/27.
What Is a Heat Battery?
Heat batteries store thermal energy (heat) rather than electrical energy. They:
- Store excess solar or cheap-rate electricity as heat
- Release heat for hot water and space heating
- Work alongside heat pumps or solar thermal
Heat batteries differ from standard home batteries (which store electrical energy).
Grant Details
Who Should Consider Heat Batteries?
Heat batteries suit:
For most solar panel owners, standard electrical batteries remain more versatile.
Consumer Loan Scheme (April 2027)
Government-backed financing for battery storage launches in April 2027.
What's Planned
How It Will Work
Expected Loan Terms
| Term | Expected Rate |
|---|---|
| 1-2 years | 0% |
| 3-5 years | 2-5% |
| 5-10 years | 4-8% |
Full details confirmed following 2026 consultation.
Learn more about Consumer Loan Scheme0% VAT on Battery Storage
All home battery storage installations qualify for 0% VAT—this isn't a grant but reduces costs by 20%.
Eligibility
Impact on Cost
All Greentech Renewables quotes include 0% VAT pricing.
What Grants Are NOT Available
No Standalone Battery Grant for Higher Earners
Households above the £36,000 income threshold cannot currently access grants specifically for battery storage. Options are:
- • Wait for Consumer Loan Scheme (April 2027)
- • Use installer 0% finance (available now)
- • Install battery with solar (better overall value)
No ECO4 for Batteries
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme does not cover battery storage. ECO4 focuses on insulation and heating measures only.
No BUS Grant for Electrical Batteries
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme covers heat pumps and biomass boilers—not electrical battery storage. The new heat battery grant (£2,500) is the only BUS extension for storage.
Best Routes to Affordable Battery Storage
1If You're Low-Income
- 1.Check Warm Homes: Local Grant eligibility → Eligibility checker
- 2.Apply through your local council
- 3.Receive free solar + battery package
2If You're Above Income Threshold
Option A: Install with Solar Now
- • Marginal battery cost: £1,000-£1,500 when added to solar
- • Use 0% finance to spread cost
- • Don't wait for loans that may not improve significantly
Option B: Wait for Consumer Loan Scheme
- • Launches April 2027
- • May offer better terms than current finance
- • But you miss 14+ months of savings
Option C: Use Current 0% Finance
- • Available now from Greentech Renewables
- • 0% APR over 1-2 years
- • Start saving immediately
3If You're Retrofitting
No specific grants for battery retrofit. Options:
- Warm Homes: Local Grant (if eligible)
- 0% finance through installer
- Consumer Loan Scheme (from April 2027)
Upcoming Changes to Watch
2026 Consultation
The government will consult on:
- • Consumer Loan Scheme details
- • Whether loans extend to landlords
- • Interaction with other schemes
2027 Launch
- • Consumer Loan Scheme begins (April 2027)
- • Heat battery grants available
- • Potential expanded eligibility
Regional Schemes
Some local authorities offer additional support:
- • Greater Manchester Green Homes Grant
- • London Warmer Homes
- • Various council-specific programmes
Check your local authority website for area-specific funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a free battery from the government?
Is there a grant for adding battery to existing solar?
What's the heat battery grant?
When does the Consumer Loan Scheme start?
Is VAT charged on battery storage?
Check Your Grant Eligibility
Find out if you qualify for free battery storage or the best financing options for your home energy upgrade.
