Grants Guide — Scotland 2026

Solar Grants Scotland 2026 —
Windows Get No Grant

Solar panels in Scotland benefit from 0% VAT until March 2027, Smart Export Guarantee income, and ECO4 funding for qualifying households. Windows receive no grant, no VAT relief, and no income scheme. The financial incentive gap between solar and windows has never been wider.

0141 230 0198 — Check Your Eligibility

Current Grants — Scotland 2026

0% VAT on Solar Panels

Solar

Save ~£700 on typical installation

Solar panels, solar battery storage, and heat pumps all qualify for 0% VAT until March 2027. On a £6,200 system, this saves approximately £700 compared to standard 20% VAT. This is the most universally available solar incentive in Scotland.

Valid until: 31 March 2027

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

Solar

Up to 30p/kWh for exported electricity

The Smart Export Guarantee requires licensed electricity suppliers to pay for surplus solar electricity exported to the grid. The best current rate is Octopus Intelligent Flux at approximately 30p/kWh. A 4kWp system typically earns £300–400 per year in SEG payments — income that continues for the system's lifetime.

Valid until: Ongoing

ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation)

Solar

Full installation funding for qualifying households

ECO4 may fund solar panels for qualifying households — typically those on means-tested benefits or with low EPC ratings. It also funds loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and heat pumps. Applications are made through energy suppliers. Call 0141 230 0198 to check eligibility.

Valid until: Extended to December 2026

HES Heat Pump Grant

Solar

£7,500 grant + £7,500 loan

The Home Energy Scotland heat pump grant provides £7,500 plus an interest-free loan of £7,500 for qualifying heat pump installations. When combined with solar panels, a heat pump + solar package delivers exceptional whole-home efficiency. The grant applies to the heat pump element; solar benefits from 0% VAT.

Valid until: Current scheme

Window Replacement Grant

Windows

Not available

There is currently no grant scheme for window replacement in Scotland. ECO4, Home Energy Scotland, and the Scottish Government's warmer homes fund do not cover double glazing, uPVC windows, or door upgrades. Windows are considered an improvement rather than a primary energy efficiency measure under current Scottish policy.

Valid until: N/A

HES Solar PV Grant (Scotland)

Solar

STOPPED June 2024

The Home Energy Scotland solar PV grant was stopped in June 2024 due to exhausted funding. However, the 0% VAT and Smart Export Guarantee remain in place, meaning solar installations in Scotland still benefit from significant financial incentives even without this grant.

Valid until: Scheme closed

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any grants for windows in Scotland?
No. As of 2026, there are no grants specifically for window replacement or double glazing in Scotland. ECO4, Home Energy Scotland, and Scottish Government energy schemes do not cover window upgrades. This contrasts sharply with solar panels, which benefit from 0% VAT until March 2027 and Smart Export Guarantee income. Loft and cavity wall insulation may be grant-funded for qualifying households.
What grants are available for solar panels in Scotland?
Solar panels in Scotland benefit from: (1) 0% VAT until 31 March 2027 (saving ~£700 on typical installation); (2) Smart Export Guarantee — up to 30p/kWh for exported electricity (Octopus Intelligent Flux); (3) ECO4 — may fully fund installation for qualifying households; (4) Possible HES heat pump grant when combined with a heat pump. The HES solar PV grant itself was stopped in June 2024.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) requires licensed UK electricity suppliers to pay homeowners for surplus solar electricity exported to the grid. The best current rate is approximately 30p/kWh through Octopus Intelligent Flux. A 4kWp system in Scotland typically exports 1,000–1,500 kWh per year, generating approximately £300–450 in annual SEG income. This income continues for the lifetime of the system.
Has the HES solar grant stopped?
Yes. The Home Energy Scotland solar PV grant was closed to new applications in June 2024 due to exhausted funding. However, the 0% VAT on solar panels (saving ~£700) and the Smart Export Guarantee remain in place. These ongoing incentives mean solar installations in Scotland are still financially attractive.
How do I apply for ECO4 funding for solar in Scotland?
ECO4 applications are made through licensed energy suppliers. Qualifying criteria typically include being on means-tested benefits (Universal Credit, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, etc.) and having a low EPC rating (E, F, or G). Call 0141 230 0198 and we can help check eligibility and connect you with the appropriate scheme.
Does 0% VAT on solar apply to battery storage too?
Yes. The 0% VAT rate applies to solar panels, solar battery storage, and heat pumps when installed in residential properties until 31 March 2027. This means a combined solar + battery installation benefits fully from the zero VAT rate. A typical solar + battery package of £8,000–12,000 saves £1,600–2,400 in VAT compared to the standard 20% rate.
What incentives are available for windows?
There are no current financial incentives for window replacement in Scotland. No grant, no VAT relief, and no income scheme. Windows save money on heating bills but earn nothing and receive no subsidy. The contrast with solar — which gets 0% VAT, earns SEG income, and may be ECO4 funded — is stark.
When does the 0% VAT on solar end?
The 0% VAT rate on solar panels is confirmed until 31 March 2027. After this date, the rate may revert to 5% or higher, depending on government policy. Locking in a solar installation before March 2027 guarantees the 0% rate and reduces the payback period. Call 0141 230 0198 to book a free survey.

Check Your Solar Grant Eligibility

Free eligibility check — find out which grants and incentives apply to your Scottish home and get a no-obligation quote.

0141 230 0198