Solar panel grants in Scotland in 2026: what's actually available
If you've searched for "solar panel grants Scotland", you've probably seen adverts promising free panels or thousands of pounds off. The real picture for 2026 is simpler, and less generous, than the adverts suggest. Here's what is and isn't available, as of October 2026.
The short answer
Home Energy Scotland does not fund standard solar PV panels or batteries. This includes when they're installed alongside a heat pump.
Solar panels and batteries on homes are zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027.
You can be paid for the electricity you export through the Smart Export Guarantee, if your installation qualifies.
Heat pumps still attract a Home Energy Scotland grant of up to £7,500, with an optional interest-free loan of up to £7,500 on top.
What happened to Home Energy Scotland solar funding?
Home Energy Scotland's grant and loan used to include an interest-free loan for solar PV and batteries. In 2024 the Scottish Government removed solar PV and battery storage from the scheme for new applicants, so that funding could focus on heat pumps and insulation. The Scottish Government's Heat in Buildings progress report confirms solar PV and batteries were removed as eligible measures.
So if anyone tells you there is a Home Energy Scotland grant for ordinary solar panels in 2026, ask them to show you where.
What's still in the scheme for solar?
Home Energy Scotland still offers an interest-free loan, with no grant, of up to £5,000 for:
Solar water heating (solar thermal panels that heat your hot water), and
Hybrid solar PV/water heating (PV-T panels that make both electricity and hot water).
These are different products from standard solar PV. They suit some homes, but they're not a back door to funding a normal PV system.
What about heat pumps?
Heat pumps are where most Scottish funding now goes. For homeowners who live in the property as their main home, Home Energy Scotland offers:
Up to £7,500 grant for an air, ground or water source heat pump, plus
An optional interest-free loan of up to £7,500
An extra £1,500 grant for eligible rural and island homes
Only heat pumps that provide all of your heating and hot water qualify. Hybrid heat pumps and air-to-air systems don't. Installation must be by an MCS-certified installer using MCS-certified products.
If you're planning a heat pump, adding solar at the same time can make sense on cost and disruption, even though the solar itself won't be grant-funded.
0% VAT on solar and batteries
This is the biggest saving for most households. Under HMRC's rules for energy-saving materials (VAT Notice 708/6), installing solar panels and batteries in homes is currently zero-rated. The zero rate runs until 31 March 2027, after which it's due to go back to 5%.
That applies to batteries fitted alongside new panels and to batteries retrofitted to an existing system. Our VAT guide covers the details.
Getting paid for exported electricity
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is run by Ofgem. Larger energy suppliers have to offer a tariff that pays you for each unit you export. Smaller suppliers can choose to. Each supplier sets its own rate, and they vary a lot, so it's worth shopping around.
For solar systems up to 50kW, the installation and installer need MCS certification for you to qualify. Read more in our Smart Export Guarantee guide.
Are there any other schemes?
Some councils and energy companies run local or targeted schemes from time to time, often for households on certain benefits or with low incomes. These open and close, so check with Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 for free, impartial advice about your home.
Be careful with cold calls and adverts offering "government-funded free solar". If an offer sounds too good to be true, check it with Home Energy Scotland before you sign anything.
So is solar still worth it in Scotland without a grant?
For many homes, yes. Solar panels work in Scottish light, and you can read our piece on the Scottish weather myth. Whether they pay back for you depends on your roof, your usage, your tariff and whether you add a battery. We'd rather show you the assumptions than promise a figure.
Guide price for a typical home system: [PRICE: Iain to confirm]
FAQs
Is there a grant for solar panels in Scotland in 2026?
Not for standard solar PV through Home Energy Scotland. Solar PV and batteries were removed from the scheme in 2024. Solar thermal and hybrid PV-T panels can still get an interest-free loan of up to £5,000.
Can I get solar funded if I'm getting a heat pump?
No. Standard solar PV and batteries aren't eligible, even alongside a heat pump. The heat pump itself can get up to £7,500 grant plus an optional £7,500 interest-free loan.
Do I pay VAT on solar panels in Scotland?
Not currently. Solar panels and batteries installed in homes are zero-rated until 31 March 2027.
Can I get paid for electricity my solar panels export?
Yes, through the Smart Export Guarantee, as long as your installation meets the scheme rules. Rates are set by each supplier.
Who can give me free, impartial advice?
Home Energy Scotland offers free advice on 0808 808 2282.
Talk to us
Want a straight answer on whether solar, a battery or a heat pump makes sense for your home? Send us your postcode and a recent bill.
Send the form with your postcode and what you want priced. We survey your home, then send the written quote. You decide after you have read it.