Solar Grants in Hertfordshire: What's Available in 2026

The grant landscape for solar, batteries, heat pumps and energy efficiency is more complex than most homeowners realise. Hertfordshire residents have access to several active schemes — but eligibility varies significantly. Most homes will not qualify for a grant; the Warm Homes Loan Scheme is the UK-wide alternative for solar and batteries.

ECO4 and Local Authority Flexible Eligibility

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) runs until 31 December 2026 and is delivered by energy suppliers; Sola UK does not arrange ECO4 funding. ECO4 funds energy efficiency measures for low-income and vulnerable households.

Councils can also refer households through local authority flexible eligibility (LA Flex), so ask your own council whether it currently does.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme

The BUS provides £7,500 toward an air source heat pump installation, or £7,500 for a ground source heat pump.

Eligibility:

Property in England or Wales
Owner-occupied or private rental
Existing fossil fuel system being replaced
Valid EPC certificate
MCS-certified heat pump installer

Hertfordshire BUS uptake has grown sharply through 2025-26. The grant materially changes ASHP economics for properties with existing oil or gas systems.

Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)

GBIS was not extended and closed on 31 March 2026, so it is no longer open to new applications.

VAT Treatment: 0% Through 2027

Solar panels, batteries, heat pumps and insulation installed in homes qualify for 0% VAT until 31 March 2027; from 1 April 2027 the rate reverts to 5%.

Smart Export Guarantee

For homeowners outside grant eligibility, the Smart Export Guarantee remains the primary financial mechanism. SEG payments come from your electricity supplier and pay you for excess solar exported to the grid.

How to Apply

Grant applications are typically routed through approved installers rather than directly. SOLA UK is MCS certified, a RECC member, TrustMark registered and an OZEV approved installer. We do not administer grant funding: apply through the scheme or your energy supplier, and verify any installer on the registers first, as our MCS certified solar installers page explains.

For a free Hertfordshire grant eligibility assessment, get in touch.

Solar Grants in Hertfordshire: What's Available in 2026