--- title: "£30,000 Free Home Upgrades 2026 | Warm Homes Local Grant" description: "Low-income households can receive up to £30,000 in free solar panels, battery storage, heat pumps, and insulation through the Warm Homes Local Grant. Check eligibility now." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "LocalBusiness", "name": "Greentech Renewables", "image": "https://www.greentechrenewables.co.uk/logo.png", "description": "MCS Certified Solar Panel and Battery Storage Installers in Greater Manchester. Trusted by 2000+ UK homeowners for renewable energy solutions.", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressLocality": "Greater Manchester", "addressCountry": "GB" }, "telephone": "0333 577 7010", "email": "admin@greentechrenewables.co.uk", "url": "https://www.greentechrenewables.co.uk", "priceRange": "££", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "4.9", "reviewCount": "105" }, "sameAs": [ "https://www.facebook.com/greentechrenewables", "https://www.instagram.com/greentechrenewables" ], "hasOfferCatalog": { "@type": "OfferCatalog", "name": "Renewable Energy Services", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "Offer", "itemOffered": { "@type": "Service", "name": "Solar Panel Installation" } }, { "@type": "Offer", "itemOffered": { "@type": "Service", "name": "Battery Storage Systems" } }, { "@type": "Offer", "itemOffered": { "@type": "Service", "name": "Air Source Heat Pumps" } } ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is there a waiting list?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "High demand means some councils have paused applications. Contact your local authority for current timescales. When portals reopen, applications are typically processed within 3-6 months." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I choose my own installer?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. The council appoints approved contractors to ensure quality standards. All installers must be MCS-certified and work under PAS 2035 retrofit standards." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if I rent?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Private tenants can apply with written landlord permission. The landlord must agree to installation and provide property access. You (the tenant) must meet income criteria." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Will upgrades affect my benefits?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Home energy improvements do not count as income or capital for benefits purposes. Your Universal Credit or other benefits will not be reduced." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I top up with my own money?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The scheme covers approved measures only. If you want additional upgrades beyond what the survey recommends, you would need to fund these separately after the free installation completes." } } ] } ] --- [0333 577 7010 ](tel:03335777010)[admin@greentechrenewables.co.uk ](mailto:admin@greentechrenewables.co.uk) ★ 4.9 on Trustpilot [![Greentech Renewables - MCS Certified Solar Installers](/assets/greentech-logo-DICMm454.jpg)](/) [Home](/) Our Services Solar Energy [ Residential Solar Home solar panel systems ](/solar-panels)[ Commercial Solar Business & industrial solutions ](/commercial-solar)[ Price Estimator Get an instant quote ](/solar-estimator) Energy Storage [ Battery Storage Store excess solar energy ](/battery-storage) Heat Pumps [ Air Source Heat Pumps Efficient home heating ](/heat-pumps)[ Octopus Cosy Installer Accredited Cosy fitting in Manchester ](/octopus-cosy-heat-pump-installer-manchester)[ Boiler Upgrade Scheme £7,500–£9,000 government grant ](/boiler-upgrade-scheme-bus) EV Charging [ Home EV Chargers Charge at home ](/ev-charging)[ Commercial Charging Workplace solutions ](/ev-charging#commercial) Ready to switch to renewable energy? Get a free, no-obligation quote today [Quick Solar Price](/solar-estimator) Grant Schemes Free Solar Grants [ Grants Overview All available UK grants ](/grants)[ Warm Homes Plan £15bn government initiative ](/grants/warm-homes-plan)[ Low Income Solar Grants Free panels for qualifying homes ](/grants/low-income-solar-grants) Heat Pump Funding [ Boiler Upgrade Scheme £7,500–£9,000 heat pump grant ](/boiler-upgrade-scheme-bus)[ Check Eligibility See if you qualify ](/grants/warm-homes-plan-eligibility) Export Payments [ Smart Export Guarantee Get paid for surplus energy ](/grants/smart-export-guarantee)[ Best SEG Rates 2026 Compare export tariffs ](/grants/seg-best-rates) How to Apply [ Application Guide Step-by-step process ](/grants/warm-homes-local-grant-apply)[ Consumer Loan Scheme 0% finance from 2027 ](/grants/consumer-loan-scheme) Check if you qualify for free solar Income under £36k or on benefits? You may get free panels [Check Eligibility](/grants/warm-homes-plan-eligibility) [Case Studies](/case-studies) [0% Finance](/finance)[Quick Solar Price](/solar-estimator) 100% Government Funded # £30,000 Free Home Upgrades Warm Homes Local Grant Explained The Warm Homes: Local Grant provides up to £30,000 in free home energy upgrades for low-income households in England. Eligible families can receive fully funded solar panels, battery storage, air source heat pumps, and insulation at no cost. [Check Eligibility](/grants/warm-homes-plan-eligibility)[Get Free Assessment](/free-quote) ## What Does £30,000 Cover? The maximum grant value of £30,000 splits across two upgrade categories: energy performance improvements and low-carbon heating. ### Energy Performance Upgrades Up to £15,000 - Reduce heat loss and electricity consumption Measure Typical Value Solar PV panels Generate electricity from daylight £9,000-£12,000 Battery storage Store solar energy for evening use £3,000-£6,000 Loft insulation Reduce heat loss through roof £500-£1,500 Cavity wall insulation Reduce heat loss through walls £1,000-£2,500 Solid wall insulation Insulate older properties without cavities £8,000-£15,000 Floor insulation Reduce heat loss through ground floor £1,000-£2,500 Draught proofing Seal gaps around doors and windows £200-£500 The goal is to raise your property's EPC rating to C where possible. ### Low-Carbon Heating Upgrades Up to £15,000 - Heat pump installation Measure Typical Value Air source heat pump Extract heat from outside air £10,000-£15,000 Ground source heat pump Extract heat from ground (less common) £15,000-£25,000 Heat pump upgrades are particularly encouraged for properties off the gas grid, where alternative fuels like oil are expensive. ## Real Examples of Funded Packages The measures you receive depend on your property's current condition and what improvements are most effective. ### Example 1: Semi-Detached House, EPC D A household receiving Universal Credit owns a 1970s semi-detached property rated EPC D. The property has cavity walls but poor loft insulation. #### Funded package: - 10-panel solar PV system (4.65kW) £9,500 - Battery storage (5kWh) £3,500 - Loft insulation top-up £800 Total value: £13,800 **Expected outcome:** EPC improves to C, annual energy bills reduced by £1,000+. ### Example 2: Terraced House, EPC E, Off Gas Grid A pensioner on Pension Credit lives in a Victorian terrace heated by oil. The property has solid walls and no central heating controls. #### Funded package: - Air source heat pump £12,000 - Solid wall insulation £10,000 - Smart heating controls £500 Total value: £22,500 **Expected outcome:** EPC improves to C, oil heating eliminated, annual savings of £800+. ### Example 3: End-Terrace, EPC F A family earning £32,000 combined owns an unimproved 1930s end-terrace with an old gas boiler and no insulation. #### Funded package: - Cavity wall insulation £1,800 - Loft insulation £1,200 - Solar PV (6 panels) £6,500 - Battery storage (3kWh) £2,500 - Underfloor insulation £1,500 Total value: £13,500 **Expected outcome:** EPC improves to D, foundation for future heat pump installation. ## Who Qualifies for Free Upgrades? Eligibility requires meeting income criteria and property requirements. ### Income Criteria (One of These) #### Option A: Income threshold - • Total household income at or below £36,000 per year - • Includes all earners in the home - • Verified by payslips, tax returns, or accountant letter #### Option B: Means-tested benefits - Universal Credit - Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) - Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance - Income-related Employment and Support Allowance - Income Support - Housing Benefit - Child Tax Credit (below income threshold) - Working Tax Credit (below income threshold) If you receive any qualifying benefit, you automatically meet income requirements regardless of total household earnings. ### Property Criteria (All of These) - EPC rating of D, E, F, or G - Owner-occupied OR private rental (with landlord permission) - Located in England - Not social housing (except limited infill schemes) - Not previously received funding for same measures [Check your full eligibility](/grants/warm-homes-plan-eligibility) ## How Free Upgrades Are Delivered The Warm Homes: Local Grant operates through local councils, not directly from central government. 1 ### Expression of Interest Local authorities submit bids to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. In the 2025 allocation round, 271 councils (97% of eligible authorities) received funding. 2 ### Household Application You apply through your local council's portal (not a national website). Each council sets its own application process, though eligibility criteria are standardised. 3 ### Eligibility Verification The council confirms your income or benefits and checks property details against the EPC register. 4 ### Property Survey A council-appointed contractor surveys your home to identify which measures will be most effective. The survey is free. 5 ### Upgrade Package Proposal You receive a written proposal detailing which measures will be installed and their value. You must agree before work begins. 6 ### Installation Approved contractors complete installations. Most solar and battery projects take 1-2 days. Heat pumps may take 2-5 days depending on complexity. 7 ### Handover You receive documentation, warranties, and guidance on using new systems. MCS certificates are provided for renewable installations. [Detailed application guide](/grants/warm-homes-local-grant-apply) ### Current Application Status The Warm Homes: Local Grant experienced high demand following its June 2025 launch. Many council portals temporarily closed to new applications in late 2025 while processing existing submissions. #### Expected timeline: - **Spring 2026:** Application portals reopen in most areas - **2025-2028:** £500 million allocated for delivery - **2030:** Programme targets complete Contact your local council directly to check current application status in your area. ## Differences from Previous Schemes The Warm Homes: Local Grant replaces and expands several previous programmes. Previous Scheme Warm Homes: Local Grant ECO4 (ends March 2026) Continues similar support with expanded budget Local Authority Delivery (LAD) Consolidated into single scheme Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) Merged into Warm Homes programme Varied income thresholds Standardised at £36,000 Limited technology options Full range including solar and batteries The consolidation aims to simplify access and reduce confusion between overlapping programmes. ## What If You Don't Quite Qualify? Households slightly above the income threshold or with properties rated C still have options. ### Boiler Upgrade Scheme (All Incomes) The £7,500 heat pump grant has no income requirement. Any homeowner replacing fossil fuel heating can access this grant through an MCS-certified installer. [Apply for heat pump grant](/boiler-upgrade-scheme-bus) ### Consumer Loan Scheme (From April 2027) Government-backed loans at zero or low interest will help "able-to-pay" households install solar panels and batteries. Monthly repayments are designed to be offset by energy savings. [Learn about Consumer Loan Scheme](/grants/consumer-loan-scheme) ### 0% Finance (Available Now) Greentech Renewables offers 0% APR finance over 1-2 years on all installations. This allows you to spread costs while benefiting from energy savings immediately. [Calculate monthly payments](/finance-calculator) ## Maximising Your Free Upgrade If you qualify, consider how to get the most value from your funded package. ### Request Solar and Battery Together Solar panels alone generate electricity during daylight hours. Adding battery storage allows you to use that electricity in the evening when demand is highest. Request both measures if your property is suitable. [Learn about solar and battery packages →](/battery-storage) ### Combine with Smart Export Guarantee Once your free solar panels are installed, register for the Smart Export Guarantee to receive payment for electricity you export to the grid. SEG rates of 12-15p per kWh add further savings. ### Consider Future Heat Pump Installation If your property receives insulation and solar under Warm Homes: Local Grant, you could later add a heat pump using the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant. Improved insulation makes heat pumps more effective. [Explore heat pump options →](/heat-pumps) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is there a waiting list? ### Can I choose my own installer? ### What if I rent? ### Will upgrades affect my benefits? ### Can I top up with my own money? ## Related Pages [Warm Homes Plan Complete Guide](/warm-homes-plan)[Warm Homes Plan Eligibility Checker](/grants/warm-homes-plan-eligibility)[How to Apply for Warm Homes Local Grant](/grants/warm-homes-local-grant-apply)[Low-Income Solar Grants](/grants/low-income-solar-grants)[Boiler Upgrade Scheme](/boiler-upgrade-scheme-bus)[Consumer Loan Scheme 2027](/grants/consumer-loan-scheme)[Government Grants Overview](/grants)[Solar Panel Installation](/solar-panels)[Battery Storage Systems](/battery-storage)[Air Source Heat Pumps](/heat-pumps)[Finance Calculator](/finance-calculator) ## Start Your Free Upgrade Journey As MCS-certified installers, we can assess your eligibility for all available schemes and help you access the maximum funding for your home. [Check Full Eligibility](/grants/warm-homes-plan-eligibility)[Get Free Assessment](/free-quote) ## Accreditations ![Our Accreditations: HIES Consumer Code, TSI Approved Code, TrustMark Government Endorsed Quality, Green Deal Approved, MCS Certified, NAPIT](/assets/solar-accreditations-CbjEg9cO.png) Public Liability Insurance – Tradesman Saver £5,000,000 – GREE55TR01 Employers Liability Insurance – Tradesman Saver £10,000,000 – GREE55TR01 Professional Indemnity – Tradesman Saver £250,000 – GREE55TR01 [![Greentech Renewables - MCS Certified Solar Installers](/assets/greentech-logo-DICMm454.jpg)](/) MCS Certified solar panel and battery storage installers serving Greater Manchester and the UK. Trusted by 2000+ homeowners. 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