Free Solar Panel Grant
Harness the power of the sun to generate your own electricity — completely free through the Warm Homes: Local Grant. Save up to £660 per year on electricity bills and earn money from surplus energy exported back to the grid.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Solar panels (photovoltaic or PV panels) convert daylight into electricity. Each panel contains dozens of solar cells made from semiconductor material — typically silicon. When light hits these cells, it knocks electrons loose, creating a flow of electricity.
The electricity generated is direct current (DC), which an inverter converts to alternating current (AC) — the type used by your home appliances. The system connects to your home's electrical supply, so solar-generated electricity is used automatically whenever it's available.
When your panels produce more electricity than you're using, the surplus is exported to the national grid. Under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), your energy supplier pays you for this exported electricity — giving you an additional income stream.
Panels Capture Light
Solar cells convert daylight into DC electricity — working even on overcast days.
Inverter Converts Power
An inverter changes DC to AC electricity, ready to power your home's appliances.
Use or Export
Use the free electricity in your home. Any surplus is exported to the grid for payment.
Benefits of Solar Panels
Cut Electricity Bills
Generate your own free electricity during daylight hours. A typical system saves £400-£660 per year depending on your usage and panel size.
Earn from Exports
Get paid for surplus electricity you don't use through the Smart Export Guarantee. An additional income stream from your roof.
Energy Independence
Reduce your reliance on the national grid and shield yourself from rising energy prices. The electricity you generate is free to use.
Low Maintenance
Solar panels have no moving parts. An occasional clean and periodic inspection are all that's needed to keep them running for 25+ years.
Increase Property Value
Homes with solar panels sell for more. Buyers value lower running costs and the improved EPC rating that comes with solar generation.
Reduce Carbon Emissions
A typical home solar system saves around 1 tonne of CO₂ per year. Over 25 years, that's the equivalent of planting over 1,000 trees.
Is Your Roof Suitable for Solar Panels?
Ideal Conditions
- ✓South-facing roof (best performance)
- ✓Roof angle of 30-40 degrees
- ✓Minimal shading from trees or buildings
- ✓Roof in good structural condition
- ✓Sufficient unshaded roof area (approx 20m²)
Still Viable
- ~East or west-facing roofs (75-85% of south output)
- ~Flat roofs (panels can be angled on frames)
- ~Some partial shading (micro-inverters help)
- ~Slate, tile, or metal roofing materials
Not sure if your roof is suitable?Don't worry — the free home energy survey will assess your property and determine whether solar panels are recommended for your home.
Solar Panels + Heat Pump = Maximum Savings
Combine solar panels with an air source heat pump for the ultimate energy setup. Your solar panels generate the electricity your heat pump uses, meaning your heating bills could drop to almost zero.
Potential combined annual savings
Heating bills with solar + heat pump
CO₂ saved per year with both
Solar Panel FAQs
Start Generating Free Electricity
Apply for your free solar panels today. Reduce your electricity bills, earn from exports, and power your home with clean energy.