The pilot is expected to: 1. Fund the purchase of certified plug-in solar kits — likely at no cost to qualifying households 2. Provide installation support — though plug-in solar doesn't require an electrician, some households may need help with mounting and setup 3. Partner with approved retailers

£25m Government Pilot: Free Plug-In Solar for Low-Income Homes

Q: What Is the £25m Pilot?

On 21 April 2026, the UK government announced a £25 million pilot programme to provide plug-in solar kits to low-income households. The scheme aims to help those most affected by high energy costs benefit from the legalisation of plug-in solar on 27 August 2026. Minister for Energy Consumers Martin

Q: What About the Devolved Nations?

The pilot applies to England initially. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland may have separate schemes — the Scottish Government has previously run its own energy support programmes. --- Editor's pick

The government announced a £25m pilot to fund plug-in solar kits for low-income households. Here's who qualifies and how to apply.

What Is the £25m Pilot?

On 21 April 2026, the UK government announced a £25 million pilot programme to provide plug-in solar kits to low-income households. The scheme aims to help those most affected by high energy costs benefit from the legalisation of plug-in solar on 27 August 2026.

Minister for Energy Consumers Martin McCluskey described it as ensuring that plug-in solar "isn't just for those who can afford to buy a kit on day one."

Who Is Expected to Qualify?

Full eligibility criteria haven't been published yet, but based on the announcement and existing government energy support schemes, likely qualifiers include:

Households on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or other means-tested benefits
Households in fuel poverty (spending more than 10% of income on energy)
Council housing and housing association tenants
Residents of supported and sheltered housing
Households already receiving Warm Home Discount or Winter Fuel Payments

How Will It Work?

The pilot is expected to:

Fund the purchase of certified plug-in solar kits — likely at no cost to qualifying households
Provide installation support — though plug-in solar doesn't require an electrician, some households may need help with mounting and setup
Partner with approved retailers — the government has briefed B&Q, Currys, Amazon, Lidl, Asda, Screwfix, and Wickes
Cover DNO notification as part of the installation process

How Much Could This Save?

For a household on the Ofgem cap rate (24.5p/kWh), an 800W plug-in solar kit can save £100–£200+ per year depending on location and self-consumption. Over 10 years, that's £1,000–£2,000 in reduced energy bills.

For low-income households spending a disproportionate share of income on energy, this represents a significant and sustained reduction in costs.

Use our savings calculator to estimate savings for any UK postcode.

How to Apply

The application process hasn't been announced yet. Based on similar schemes (ECO4, Great British Insulation Scheme), applications will likely be available:

Online via gov.uk or a dedicated portal
Through local authorities who may administer the scheme regionally
Via referral from energy suppliers or advice agencies

We'll update this article as soon as application details are published. In the meantime, check if you're eligible for other plug-in solar grants and funding.

What About the Devolved Nations?

The pilot applies to England initially. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland may have separate schemes — the Scottish Government has previously run its own energy support programmes.

Timeline

21 April 2026: Pilot announced by DESNZ
27 August 2026: Plug-in solar becomes legal
September 2026: First certified kits (EcoFlow STREAM) available
Late 2026: Pilot expected to begin accepting applications
2027: Full rollout based on pilot results

Is the £25m enough?

At approximately £500–800 per kit including installation support, the £25m could fund 30,000–50,000 installations. The government has indicated this is a pilot, with potential expansion based on results.

Can I get a kit if I already have rooftop solar?

This is unclear. The pilot is aimed at households without existing solar generation, but final eligibility criteria will determine this.

What if I'm a private renter?

Private renters may qualify if they meet the income criteria. The portable nature of plug-in solar means you can take the kit when you move, which aligns with the government's intention to support transient households.