⚡ Solar panel efficiencies extend up to 24%

📈 The solar efficiency record in lab conditions is over 47%

💷 Domestic solar panels are efficient enough to save you hundreds of pounds per year 

Solar panels have come a long way since their first commercially available predecessors in the 1960s, and they now boast efficiency rates of up to 24%. This makes them a smart, eco-friendly choice for homes and businesses looking to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.

Curious about how much solar panels can reduce your utility bills by? Answer a few quick questions below and we'll generate a savings estimate for you. 

What does ‘solar panel efficiency’ mean?

The term 'solar panel efficiency' simply means how well solar panels convert natural light into electricity, expressed in terms of a percentage. For example, if a solar panel is 20% efficient, this means that 20% of the natural light that hits the solar panel will be converted into electricity. 

If we know how well a solar panel performs, we can understand its value and effectiveness.

To measure solar panel efficiency, manufacturers calculate the ratio of the electrical output to the solar input (both measured in watts (W)) using carefully controlled measures under Standard Test Conditions (STC).

In a lab, STC are carried out by exposing the solar panel to a controlled light source that simulates daylight, typically at a standard intensity of 1 kW (1 kilowatt = 1,000W) per m2 and at a temperature of 25°C.

We then work out the efficiency by dividing the electrical output by the input solar energy and then converting it to a percentage: solar panel efficiency (%) = (Electrical output (W) ÷ input solar (W)) x 100.

What’s the average efficiency of a solar panel?

Today, the average efficiency of commercially available solar panels typically ranges from about 15% to 24%. However, it's worth mentioning that the efficiency can vary depending on the type of solar panel technology used.

Monocrystalline solar panels, for example, are made from a single crystal structure and typically have efficiencies above 20%. On the other hand, polycrystalline solar panels, made from multiple crystal fragments, have slightly lower efficiencies.

Advanced, high-efficiency panels can reach efficiencies above 23%, but these are usually pricier and are mainly used in specific situations where space is limited.

What’s the most efficient type of solar panel?

The most efficient type of solar panel currently in existence is made using perovskite minerals. Recent lab tests have shown perovskite-silicon solar cells reaching well over 30% efficiency. However, perovskite solar panels aren't widely available at the moment because of stability issues and production challenges.

For commercially available solar panels, monocrystalline silicon panels are your best bet. These panels typically have an average efficiency ranging from about 18% to 24%.

What’s the least efficient type of solar panel?

The least efficient type of commercially available solar panel uses thin-film solar technology. Their average efficiency ranges from about 7% to 13% - however, they’re not as expensive as traditional solar panels, and they’re very flexible (which makes them useful on campervans and boats). 

How much has solar panel efficiency improved over time?

From its early selenium-based roots in the 19th century to today’s record-breaking solar cells, solar panel efficiency has made great strides. Between the mid-1970s and 2022, the highest efficiency achieved by solar cells in a lab has shot up from 21.9% to almost 48%. 

The data below is based on a report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in the US, who have recorded all major breakthroughs in solar cell efficiency since the mid 1970s.

The most recent breakthrough of 47.6% was achieved by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, in Germany. 

Why aren’t residential solar panels as efficient as lab solar cells?

Some parts of solar panels don't produce electricity but still count towards efficiency ratings

Companies will put extra effort and money into lab cells for record efficiency attempts

Residential solar panels aren't made with the same cutting-edge materials as lab cells

Domestic solar panels have recently reached the 24% efficiency mark, but lab solar cells are miles ahead of this mark – which comes down to a few reasons.

Firstly, a cell is wholly dedicated to turning daylight into electricity. In contrast, when you make a solar panel, you have to surround these cells with hardware that connects, protects, and secures them, like the frame – none of which generates electricity.

Efficiency is measured across the entire panel, including these parts.

The financial context also has a big effect. A company that's trying to break an efficiency record to create positive publicity will put more effort and money into refining and perfecting the cell in question than it'll put into an identical cell on the production line. 

After all, more steps means more expenditure, and businesses will always want to keep costs down.

This is also the reason why solar manufacturers save their most cutting-edge materials – like perovskite – for lab cells.

Before perovskite can become a major part of the domestic solar market, companies have to create a new supply line and system of production that's profitable – which is taking a while.

What factors affect a solar panel’s efficiency?

Several factors have an effect on how well a solar panel turns natural light into electricity. 

Fortunately, you can influence most of these elements.

Here are the attributes that have the biggest impact on a panel's efficiency: 

Most solar panels experience a gradual efficiency loss of about 0.5% to 1% per year, known as degradation. This means that after 20 to 25 years, your solar panels may operate at roughly 80% to 90% of their original efficiency. 

Gradual solar panel degradation is normal and almost impossible to prevent in the long term. Long term exposure to UV light slowly weakens the solar panel’s backsheet (which protects the panel from external stresses), and the solar panel’s internal wires that transport electrons will also wear away.

To avoid this degradation having too much impact on your savings, make sure you get high-quality panels that come with a performance warranty guaranteeing a high level of efficiency for the next 25 or 30 years.

Shading from trees and buildings can reduce a solar panel’s electricity production, especially at certain times of the day when the sun will throw longer shadows across your roof.

Solar panels are usually connected together in small groups (known as a series or string), and even partial shading on one panel can lower the output of the whole string.

You can tackle shading by reducing the number of objects above your roof, with a particular focus on overhanging branches.

Incorrect angling can cause your solar panels to absorb less daylight, leading to reduced electricity output.

The perfect angle differs depending on where you are and the time of year, but most UK homes will benefit from a tilt of around 30-40 degrees.

In the northern hemisphere, solar panels typically perform best when facing south to receive the most sunlight throughout the day.

East and west-facing roofs – and everywhere in between – can also work well. Completely north-facing solar panels are often not worth installing, but solar technology has improved to the point where this isn't always true anymore.

Dust and dirt can accumulate on your solar panels, blocking the light and cutting their output. 

Rain will tend to keep your panels pretty clean, but if you’re living in a particular dusty area or right on the coast (where the air is salty), you may need to do a bit of extra cleaning yourself.

However, make sure you only ever do this from ground level with an extendable brush - or pay for the services of professional solar panel cleaners who can safely go onto your roof.  

What technology can improve solar panel efficiency?

There are a few different technological advancements that are set to revolutionise solar panel efficiency in the coming years.

Some are already in use, either in large-scale commercial projects or in an increasing number of domestic systems.

A bifacial solar panel absorbs light on both sides. This sets them apart from traditional panels, which only use one side for this purpose.

How much of an efficiency advantage this gives bifacial panels over other models is unclear, as it depends on the gap between your panel and roof, how reflective your roof tiles are, and the angle of your roof.

But it seems a safe bet that all things being equal, they're more efficient than regular panels.

PERC stands for Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact, and refers to a technique used on the back of a solar panel during the manufacturing process.

Firstly, the back layer is made reflective, so any unabsorbed light rebounds through the panel to the cells above, giving them another chance to use it. This allows panels with PERC to make better use of the light they receive than most models.

A passivation layer is then added so that the panel takes on less heat, and therefore avoids overheating and losing efficiency.

However, PERC is rapidly falling behind heterojunction (HJT) and Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) in the technological stakes.

These approaches build on PERC with additional features that work to increase a panel's efficiency even further.

Half cell solar panels are exactly what they sound like: panels composed of cells that have been cut in half.

These cells are connected in series – that is, on one string. Two of these strings are then connected in parallel, ensuring that the panel's overall voltage doesn't exceed that of a traditional panel. 

This lowers a panel's resistive losses, improve its defences against shade, and make hotspots less likely.

Some of the best solar panels on the market at the moment use half cells.

Concentrator Photovoltaics, also known as CPV, is a technique that concentrates sunlight with curved lenses or mirrors onto tiny, specialised solar cells.

This process leads to solar irradiance levels that are equivalent to 1,000 suns or more. To put that into context, domestic panels receive their rating from tests carried out under one-sun conditions.

CPV is generally only used in hot parts of countries including South Africa, Spain, and the US, by large energy companies that sell the energy they produce to the grid.

It's not available for residential  use, both because it's extremely expensive and because it requires a decent amount of cooling equipment to avoid overheating.

However, it will almost certainly inform future domestic solar developments.

How efficient are solar panels compared to other renewable energy sources?

Unfortunately, one disadvantage of solar panels is that they're not the most efficient source of renewable energy out there. 

However, the best source of renewable energy for a specific place doesn’t just come down to efficiency. It depends on multiple factors, including climate, geography, costs, maintenance, and specific energy needs. And when it comes to small-scale, residential installations, no other renewable energy source comes closer to solar. 

Let’s compare the respective efficiencies of wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal. 

‘Wind power efficiency’ refers to how well wind turbines turn kinetic energy into electricity. The maximum theoretical efficiency, known as the Betz limit, is about 59%. However, modern wind turbines typically achieve efficiencies of 35% to 45%.

Wind power efficiency varies with wind speed, turbine design and other environmental factors.

Hydroelectric power, or pumped storage, is one of the most efficient sources of renewable energy, converting over 90% of its available potential and kinetic energy into electricity. 

The reason it’s not 100% is because of friction between the shaft of the motor and the turbine. These parts never spin together without at least a small amount of friction, and this consequently reduces the total amount of energy the turbine can generate. There’s also friction between the water and the turbine, which again causes energy losses. 

Geothermal power plants, which get their energy from the Earth's heat, have an average efficiency of 10% to 20%. Though that may not seem as impressive as solar and hydroelectric power, geothermal plants can operate 24/7, unlike solar panels or wind turbines that need daylight or a breeze to work.

Geothermal electricity isn't the most efficient, but it's consistent, making it a reliable power source for many countries around the world.

As we've explored, solar panels offer a promising and efficient way to harness renewable energy - and with ongoing advancements in technology, they’re becoming increasingly effective and cost-efficient.

If you're considering making the switch to solar, Sunsave is here to help. For more information about how much a solar & battery system could save you, click the button below and answer a few quick questions. 

Are solar panels actually efficient?

Will solar panels ever reach 50% efficiency?

Are solar panels 100% effective?

How efficient are solar panels? | Average percentage [2024]

How efficient are solar panels?

⛅ As solar panels rely on daylight rather than direct sunlight, they still work during the winter

🥶 Solar panels perform optimally in cooler temperatures

❄️ However, snow can be a problem if it’s allowed to accumulate on panels

Wondering if solar panels can still work their magic as the cold nights draw in and cosy knitwear makes its appearance?

The good news is that solar panels are designed to work in all seasons, including winter. Despite shorter days and chillier temperatures, they can still generate electricity - even if they aren’t necessarily at their peak performance.

Let's explore how solar panels can make the most of winter daylight, even during the coldest months of the year.

If you'd like to find out how much a solar & battery system could save you on your electricity bills, answer a few quick questions below and we'll generate an estimate for you. 

Do solar panels actually work in the winter?

As solar photovoltaic (PV) panels need daylight rather than heat, they can still generate electricity during the frosty season – although they might not be as effective because of a combination of factors associated with winter:

Winter days are shorter, meaning less daylight for solar panels - so energy production is lower compared to gloriously long summer days

The sun is lower in the sky during the UK’s (and other northern hemisphere countries’) winter months, resulting in less direct sunlight reaching the solar panels

Things like snow, leftover autumn leaves and other debris on the panels can block daylight and reduce their efficiency even further.

If the PV panels aren’t properly sealed, moisture from damp and icy days can seep into the cells and cause damage.

But even with these challenges, solar panels can still be a viable option for sustainable energy all year round. After all, winter doesn't stop solar panels from producing a decent amount of electricity on clear, sunny days. And with the high upfront cost of solar panels, you'd be right to expect them to keep working in all weather. 

Does cold weather affect solar panel output?

Cold weather can affect solar panel output, but not in the way you might think. Like most electronics, solar panels work best in cooler temperatures.

Although it seems odd for a device that likes to spend its time basking in sunlight, the electrical resistance of a PV cell decreases in colder weather, which means better electron flow and improved efficiency.

But while cool temperatures can improve the efficiency of solar panels, temperature extremes can do more damage than good - whether that’s very cold or very hot weather.

Although some solar panels can become less efficient if the temperature drops below their optimum operating temperature (typically between 20°C and 25°C), quality panels are designed to withstand a temperature range between -30°C and 85°C.

Thankfully, our milder UK winters are unlikely to ever reach those temperatures.

With that being said, extended freezing temperatures could lead to temperature-related degradation that causes slight physical changes in the panel materials. And over time, this can lead to permanent damage.

To learn more about solar, check out our full rundown of the top 17 solar panel facts.

Solar panel output winter vs summer in the UK

According to figures from the National Energy Action (NEA) charity, the difference between peak summer and peak winter can be staggering, with findings showing that solar panels can generate up to eight times more electricity in the summer.

Taking a 5 kW (kilowatt) solar PV system as an example, typically in the UK it might produce around 450-480 kWh (kilowatt-hours) of electricity in July compared to around 50-60 kWh in December.

These are just rough estimates, and the actual output will vary depending on factors including how the panels are positioned, what the weather is like during those months, and where the solar PV system is.

Solar PV panel technology has also advanced, making modern panels better at generating energy in low-light conditions and reducing seasonal variations in output.

As mentioned above, the output of solar PV panels in the UK can vary significantly between winter and summer because of differences in daylight hours and sun angles.

The following graph shows how a solar system’s energy output can change from month to month.

This chart is based on the same typical four-bedroom family home in Essex using 4,000 kWh of electricity each year, with a 6 kWp solar panel system and a 5.2 kWh battery. The system produces nearly 25 kWh of electricity per day in May and July, whereas it produces only 4.9 kWh per day in December. 

Summer vs winter solar panel output in the UK

Broadly speaking, a solar panel system in the UK will produce about 70% of its total output in spring and summer (March to August), with the remaining 30% coming in autumn and winter (September to February). 

The chart below should give you a rough idea of how productive your solar panel system will be across the four seasons (ranging from around 11% in winter to almost 38% in summer). 

Do you need to buy electricity from the grid during winter?

In the vast majority of cases, UK households with a solar-plus-battery system will need to purchase additional electricity from the grid during the winter months. Even with a top quality system placed on a south-facing roof in the south of England with 0% shading, it would be rare to see a property not need the grid throughout the whole winter. 

However, note that this is usually only additional electricity, i.e. just ‘topping up’. In the winter, solar panels still provide something, just not everything you’ll need. Look at the graph above - you can see that there’s still generation happening in November, December, January and February, but it’s falling about 50-60% short of the household’s needs. 

By adding a battery to a solar panel system, you can also make sure that you’re using any solar-generated electricity in the winter evenings if you weren’t around in the daytime. 

And remember, you can reduce your energy load in the winter by adding insulation, using energy-efficient appliances, and reducing your overall energy consumption.

Solar PV panels won't be able to generate much power if it's snowing heavily and there's no sunlight - but they can still convert winter sun into electricity, even when covered with a thin layer of snow.

Once snow or ice builds up and blocks the sunlight, however, it becomes a problem. So it's best to clear heavy snow off quickly to preserve maximum efficiency, although you should never do this if it means climbing up onto your roof. This is dangerous and should only be done by a qualified solar panel technician.

The first step is to make sure a professional installer fits your solar PV panels at an angle that allows snow and rain to slide off naturally, rather than letting them accumulate on the surface.

As recently as September 2023, scientists in the US have invented a new “self-cleaning” solar panel strip that automatically melts snow without interfering with the panel itself. Even though this ingenious solution isn’t yet ready for the consumer market, it has the potential to make solar panel maintenance in the winter a breeze - which is great news for homeowners.

To keep your solar panels performing at their best, gently brush off the snow with a soft brush or by using a specially designed snow removal tool. Avoid using sharp or abrasive tools, as these can scratch or damage the panels. Once again: don’t do this if it means going up onto your roof, as this should only be performed by a qualified solar panel technician.

Despite the shorter days, solar panels can still work efficiently during winter in the UK, especially on clear days.

We've seen that cold weather can boost efficiency, while snow can be a bit of a hassle - still, with well-positioned panels and proper care, homeowners can take full advantage of the winter sunshine.

So while you may not generate as much electricity, solar panels can still be a worthwhile investment even during the colder months.

How effective are solar panels in winter?

At what cold temperature do solar panels stop working?

Can you heat a house in winter with solar panels?

Wondering if your solar panel system will still keep producing electricity in the coldest months of the year? Get the answers here.

Do solar panels work in winter?

☀️ Everyone can benefit from a 0% VAT discount and there’s no need to apply

🧑🏻‍🤝‍🧑🏻 There’s funding available for solar panels, but it has certain eligibility requirements

💷 The best solar panel grant is for people living in Scotland 

It can be confusing to navigate the grants and schemes for solar panels, but our guide will make it easy and show you how to save money while helping the environment.

In the meantime, if you’d like to take the first step towards sustainable energy independence, answer a few questions below to find out how much a solar & battery system could save you. All you need to do is provide a few quick details, and we'll give you a rough savings estimate. 

Are there any grants and schemes for solar panels?

Depending on your circumstances, there can be lots of funding available to help you cover the cost of solar panels. These initiatives give financial support, tax breaks, or other favourable options to make solar panel installations cheaper and easier.

The support can range from direct grants and loans to discounts on value-added tax (VAT) and specific schemes for social housing. The eligibility requirements do vary, and it's important to note the expiration dates of these schemes to take full advantage of them.

If you think you're not likely to quality for any of these grants but are concerned about the upfront cost of solar panels, you should consider a solar subscription. 

Here's a summary of the nine key grants and schemes:

<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 13px;">
<div style="display: inline-block; border-radius: 8px; overflow-x: scroll; max-width: 100%; margin: 40px auto; text-align: left;">
<table style="background: rgba(0,0,0,0.02);">
  <tr style="background: #4EE5D3; text-align: left; border-radius: 4px;">
    <th style="padding: 12px;">Grant/scheme</th>
    <th style="padding: 12px;">What it covers</th>
    <th style="padding: 12px;">Eligibility</th>
    <th style="padding: 12px;">When it expires</th>
  </tr>
  <tr style="border-bottom: 1px rgba(0,0,0,0.1) solid;">
    <td style="padding: 12px;">ECO4</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Energy-saving improvements, including solar panels</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Electrically heated, low-income households with a vulnerable resident who receives a qualifying benefit</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">31st March 2026</td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="border-bottom: 1px rgba(0,0,0,0.1) solid;">
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Home Upgrade Grant</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Home energy efficiency upgrades</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Low-income, energy-inefficient households that aren't on the gas grid</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">31st March 2025</td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="border-bottom: 1px rgba(0,0,0,0.1) solid;">
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Home Energy Scotland Grant & Loan</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Funding for renewable systems, including solar</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Homeowners in Scotland</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Ongoing, subject to review based on remaining funds at the end of the financial year</td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="border-bottom: 1px rgba(0,0,0,0.1) solid;">
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Smart Export Guarantee</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Payment for surplus energy exported to the grid</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Households with eligible solar installations</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Ongoing</td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="border-bottom: 1px rgba(0,0,0,0.1) solid;">
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Solar panel loans</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Up to 100% of the upfront cost of your solar installation</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Varies by loan provider</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Varies by loan provider</td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="border-bottom: 1px rgba(0,0,0,0.1) solid;">
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Green home rewards</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Cashback on energy-efficient measures</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Households with a qualifying mortgage</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Varies by institution</td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="border-bottom: 1px rgba(0,0,0,0.1) solid;">
    <td style="padding: 12px;">VAT discount</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">0% VAT on solar panel installations</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">All households, no specific conditions</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">31st March 2027</td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="border-bottom: 1px rgba(0,0,0,0.1) solid;">
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Welsh Government Warm Homes Programme</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Home energy efficiency improvements</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Energy-inefficient households in Wales which receive a means-tested benefit or are low-income</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">March 2032</td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="border-bottom: 1px rgba(0,0,0,0.1) solid;">
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Social housing PPA schemes</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Installation of solar panels on social housing</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Social housing providers</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Varies by scheme</td>
  </tr>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Solar Together</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Group-buying scheme for discounted solar panels</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Residents in participating areas</td>
    <td style="padding: 12px;">Varies by locality</td>
  </tr>
</table>
</div>
</div>

The goal of these programmes is to get more people using solar power, which is good for the environment and saves money. But be sure to check the specific details and current status of each scheme, as these could change over time.

However, if you find that you're not eligible for any solar grant, it's important that you do not choose a cheap, low-quality installation, as this comes with many risks. 

How do I qualify for free solar panels in the UK?

You may qualify for free solar panels if you're eligible for assistance through the ECO4 scheme or Home Upgrade Grant, which are both national, government-backed programmes.

Unfortunately, these initiatives come with specific criteria that only a small minority of UK households fulfil.

We'll go into detail about these requirements further down the article.

What if I don’t qualify for any solar grants or schemes?

If you don't qualify for a solar panel grant, there's another way to start benefiting from solar electricity with zero upfront cost.

Sunsave Plus, the UK’s first solar subscription, will provide you with the best-in-class kit, all in one easy solar & battery package that comes with a 20-year Sunsave Guarantee.

Your installation will be tailored to your home, work seamlessly, look excellent, and save you money from day one.

ECO4, part of the UK government's Energy Company Obligation (ECO) programme, is a grant scheme with £4 billion of funding to improve the energy efficiency of eligible homes. Its goal is to help those struggling with fuel costs, especially low-income and vulnerable households.

Whether you’re a homeowner, private renter (with your landlord's permission) or social housing tenant, you could qualify for the ECO4 scheme as long as your property has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G.

Eligibility requirements include receiving at least one of the following means-tested benefits:

Income-related Employment & Support Allowance

Child Benefit (with an annual income below specified thresholds, depending on who lives with you)

However, if you're not claiming the above benefits but earn under £31,000 per year, have health conditions worsened by a cold home, or are vulnerable to the effects of living in a cold home, you can also qualify through your council's ECO4 Flex rules.

It’s difficult to provide specific numbers on how much money you could save with ECO4 since it depends on your situation and the changes you make.

However, the grants given under the ECO4 scheme can be substantial, potentially covering the entire cost of a new solar panel system and other energy efficiency improvements - all of which can make a big difference to your electricity bills.

To apply for the ECO4 scheme, you’ll first need to find out whether you’re eligible, which you can do by completing this Ofgem questionnaire. If you are eligible, you’ll then need to get in touch with one of the energy suppliers that’s part of the ECO4 scheme, such as British Gas, E.ON, or Scottish Power. Note: your ECO4 home upgrades provider does not have to be your current energy supplier. 

Check out the full list of ECO4 suppliers. 

What are the most common ECO4 home improvements?

Although solar PV is one of the available measures via ECO4, it's not particularly common. Based on data from Ofgem, the vast majority of ECO4 home improvements between July 2022 (when the scheme began) and January 2024 is new or upgraded heating controls, followed by various forms of insulation. 

Most popular ECO4 home improvements, July 2022-Jan 2024

The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) is another government initiative that provides funding of up to £700 million for energy-efficient upgrades in homes across England - but specifically for homes that don't rely on gas for heating.

Along with solar panels, the grant supports a variety of energy-saving improvements like insulation, air source heat pumps and storage heaters.

Who is eligible for the Home Upgrade Grant?

own your home or live in privately rented accommodation. If you live in social housing, you’ll need to look at the ECO4 scheme instead.

be claiming one of the means-tested benefits listed earlier or have a household income of £31,000 or less (though, in some areas, household income is irrelevant)

not have gas central heating as your property’s main source of heating

have a property EPC rating of D or E for rented properties, or D to G for owned properties

have permission from your landlord as a private renter - and they will need to contribute towards the cost of the upgrades​​

How much money can the Home Upgrade Grant save you?

The HUG can lead to significant savings on your electricity bills, as it aims to make homes more energy-efficient and cheaper to run. Again, your savings will vary depending on your specific improvements.

It's only available in certain areas in England, so you'll need to check your eligibility and apply through your local council. If you’re eligible, your local council will arrange a home survey to assess potential energy efficiency improvements.

Before the survey, your landlord will need to pay a £500 deposit (which will be refunded if your home isn't suitable for improvements), but there’s no cost to you as a tenant.

What is the Home Energy Scotland Grant & Loan?

The Home Energy Scotland Grant & Loan scheme is a Scottish Government initiative providing grants and interest-free loans to create warmer, more energy-efficient homes.

Who is eligible for the Home Energy Scotland Grant & Loan?

You need to be a homeowner in Scotland and actually live in your home. Unfortunately, being a Scottish homeowner doesn’t count if your property is in England.

The scheme isn’t open to landlords - they can apply for the Private Rented Sector Landlord Loan instead.

If you’re applying for grant funding, you can’t receive support from another source (e.g., local authority funding or the ECO4 scheme) for the same improvement.

Self-builders can apply for support for solar panel systems and energy storage systems, but not for other energy efficiency improvements like insulation or double glazing.

How much money can the Home Energy Scotland Grant & Loan save you?

Grant funding for energy efficiency improvements is up to 75% of the combined cost of the improvements, with a maximum grant amount of £7,500 (£9,000 for households qualifying for the rural uplift). The rest of the funds can be taken as an interest-free loan.

For solar panel systems, you can get funding up to £6,000 (including a £1,250 grant and a £4,750 optional loan​).

Discover the range of financial assistance on offer from the UK government & elsewhere for people wanting to switch to solar power – and find out if you're eligible.

Melody Abeni

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