Update — April 2026
The ECO4 scheme closed on 31 March 2026 and is no longer accepting applications. This article has been updated to reflect the replacement scheme — the Warm Homes: Local Grant — which is now open and provides up to £15,000 for eligible households.
If you were hoping to get free solar panels through the ECO4 grant, the good news is that funded solar installations are still available. The Warm Homes: Local Grant is the government's replacement for ECO4, delivered through local authorities including Bristol City Council and Somerset Council, and it offers up to £15,000 for qualifying energy improvements including solar panels, battery storage, heat pumps, and insulation.
In many respects, the new scheme is more accessible than ECO4 was. The income threshold has been raised to approximately £36,000 per household, meaning more families can qualify. D&R Energy checks your eligibility free of charge and manages the entire application process. Visit our grants page for full details.
What Was ECO4?
ECO4 was the fourth phase of the Energy Company Obligation, a government programme that required large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements for low-income and vulnerable households. The scheme ran from 2022 to March 2026 and funded solar panels, insulation, heat pumps, and other measures for eligible homeowners. D&R Energy completed numerous ECO4-funded installations across Bristol and Somerset during the scheme's operation.
Warm Homes: Local Grant — Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Warm Homes: Local Grant, you typically need to meet the following criteria:
- Household income below approximately £36,000 per year, or be in receipt of qualifying means-tested benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income Support, Income-based JSA, or Income-related ESA)
- Property EPC rating of D, E, F, or G — properties rated A, B, or C are generally not eligible
- Homeowner or have landlord permission — owner-occupied and privately rented properties both qualify
The income threshold of £36,000 is notably higher than ECO4's benefits-only criteria, meaning more working households now qualify for funded installations.
Property Requirements
- EPC Rating of D, E, F, or G: If you do not know your property's EPC rating, you can check it for free on the government's EPC register, or D&R Energy can help you find out.
- Suitable roof: Your property must have a roof that is structurally sound and suitable for solar panel installation. South, south-east, south-west, east, or west-facing roofs are all acceptable.
- Location: The Warm Homes: Local Grant is delivered by local authorities. Bristol, Somerset, Bath & NES, and North Somerset all participate in the scheme.
How to Apply Through D&R Energy
D&R Energy manages the entire application and installation process on your behalf. Here is how it works:
Step 1: Free Eligibility Check
Contact D&R Energy by phone or through our website. We will ask a few simple questions about your income, benefits, and property to determine whether you are likely to qualify. This initial check takes just a few minutes and is completely free with no obligation.
Step 2: Documentation and Verification
If the initial check indicates you may be eligible, we will ask you to provide proof of income or qualifying benefit and confirm your property details. We will also check your property's EPC rating and, if needed, arrange for an updated EPC assessment.
Step 3: Property Survey
Once eligibility is confirmed, we schedule a free property survey. Our surveyor will visit your home to assess the roof, confirm the best panel placement, and determine the optimal system size. This typically takes 30-60 minutes.
Step 4: Grant Approval
D&R Energy submits the application to your local authority for funding approval. Processing times vary but are typically 2-6 weeks. We handle all communication and paperwork on your behalf.
Step 5: Installation
Once funding is approved, we schedule the installation at a date convenient for you. A typical residential solar installation takes 1-2 days. Our MCS-certified installers fit the solar panels, inverter, and battery storage (if included), complete all electrical connections, and ensure everything works correctly. We also handle DNO notification and MCS registration on your behalf.
What Can the Grant Fund?
If your application is approved, the Warm Homes: Local Grant can fund up to £15,000 towards:
- Solar PV panels: Premium tier-1 panels from Jinko Solar or Exiom, sized to suit your property.
- Inverter: A Growatt or GivEnergy inverter to convert DC solar energy to AC household electricity.
- Battery storage: A GivEnergy battery to store surplus solar energy for evening and overnight use.
- Heat pumps: Air source heat pumps to replace gas, oil, or electric heating.
- Insulation: Loft, cavity wall, and solid wall insulation.
- Full installation: Including scaffolding, electrical work, and all associated labour.
- MCS certification: Ensuring your system qualifies for Smart Export Guarantee payments.
Check Your Eligibility Today
If you think you may qualify for funded solar panels through the Warm Homes: Local Grant, do not delay — funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact D&R Energy today for a free eligibility check. You can also visit our solar grants page to learn about all available funding options.
