Maximum HES grant for solar PV
Maximum HES interest-free loan
On all solar until March 2027
Best Smart Export Guarantee rate
1. Available support — four routes
HES Solar Grant and Loan
- Grant up to £7,500 for solar PV
- Interest-free loan up to £17,500 over 10 years
- No income threshold
- Apply via HES: 0808 808 2282
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
- 12–15p/kWh for exported electricity
- All licensed suppliers with 150,000+ customers must offer a tariff
- 4kW system exports ~2,400–2,500 kWh/year
- At 15p/kWh = £360–£375/year income
- Over 25 years = £9,000+ in payments
- Register with your supplier immediately after installation — many miss this
0% VAT on solar
Applies to all residential solar and battery installations until March 2027. Saves £1,000–£2,000 on a typical install. Applied automatically by your installer.
ECO4 for solar
Lower-income households on benefits with EPC D or below may qualify for free solar PV. Access via your energy supplier or local authority referral.
Stacking incentives
2. Does solar work in Scotland? Honest answer
Generation: 850–950 kWh/kWp/year versus 1,000–1,100 in southern England. Lower — but the financial picture is still strong because of stacked incentives.
Best case
South / SW facing roof, high daytime use, rural off-grid, combined with battery
Battery storage
Extends use into evening; HES loan covers it
Solar + heat pump
50–60% running cost reduction for rural homes
What solar won't do
It will not eliminate bills. Winter generation is low. Be sceptical of 'eliminate your bills' claims.
3. Costs and payback
| System size | Typical cost | After grant | Annual saving | Approx payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3kW | £5,000–£7,000 | £2,000–£4,500 | £400–£600 | 5–10 years |
| 4kW | £6,500–£9,000 | £3,500–£6,500 | £500–£750 | 6–10 years |
| 4kW + battery | £9,000–£13,000 | £6,000–£10,000 | £650–£950 | 8–12 years |
| 5kW + battery | £11,000–£15,000 | £8,000–£12,000 | £750–£1,100 | 9–13 years |
Based on 850–950 kWh/kWp/year and 27.7p/kWh electricity price.
4. Scheme comparison
| Scheme | Solar support | Funding type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| HES | Up to £7,500 grant + £17,500 loan | Grant + loan | Most homeowners |
| ECO4 | Solar PV as part of package | Usually free | Low income / benefits |
| Warmer Homes | Solar in some cases | Usually free | Fuel-poor households |
| Smart Export | 12–15p/kWh export | Ongoing income | All solar owners |
5. Finding an installer
MCS certification is required for the HES grant and SEG registration. Get 3 quotes minimum.
6. FAQ
Can I get solar on a tenement flat?+
Only top-floor flats with sole roof rights, and usually only with all owners' agreement.
Does solar work on a north-facing roof?+
It generates around 30% less than south-facing — usually not worth it unless you have no alternative roof.
Do I need planning permission in Scotland?+
Most domestic solar is permitted development. Conservation areas, listed buildings and flat roofs may need approval.
What happens to panels if I sell?+
They transfer with the property. The SEG contract usually transfers with the new owner registering.
Can I add battery storage to existing panels?+
Yes — batteries can be retrofitted. The HES loan covers them.
What is the difference between solar PV and solar thermal?+
PV makes electricity; thermal heats water. PV has wider use cases and better grant support.