With energy prices remaining high and the UK aiming for net-zero carbon emissions, upgrading your home's energy efficiency has never been more critical. To support homeowners, the government has introduced several green home grants and incentives under the Warm Homes Plan and related schemes in 2026. These grants can help cover the cost of insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, and double glazing.
In this guide, we break down the green home grants available in the UK in 2026, explain who is eligible, and detail how to connect with certified green energy installers on GetBuilder.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) has been extended to 2026, offering significant financial support to replace fossil fuel heating systems (gas or oil boilers) with low-carbon alternatives:
- Air source heat pumps: £7,500 grant towards supply and installation.
- Ground source heat pumps: £7,500 grant towards supply and installation.
- Biomass boilers: £5,000 grant (only for rural properties not connected to the gas grid).
Eligibility for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The scheme is open to domestic homeowners and small non-domestic property owners in England and Wales. You must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation (unless you have an exemption).
The Warm Homes Plan
The government's flagship Warm Homes Plan is rolling out £6.6 billion over five years starting in 2026 to upgrade millions of homes. The plan focuses on:
- Insulation upgrades: Grants to cover up to 100% of the cost of loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and solid wall insulation.
- Solar energy: Subsidies for solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and battery storage systems, allowing you to generate your own electricity and feed excess power back to the grid under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
- Double glazing: Funding for upgrading single-glazed windows to energy-efficient double or triple glazing.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)
The ECO4 scheme runs until March 2026 and requires large energy suppliers to install energy-efficiency measures in low-income, vulnerable, and fuel-poor households:
- Who qualifies?: Homeowners or private tenants receiving government benefits (such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Child Benefit within income limits).
- What is covered?: Solid wall insulation, first-time central heating, heat pumps, and solar panels. Often, ECO4 installations are completely free to the homeowner.
Zero-rate VAT on energy-saving materials
In addition to direct grants, the UK government has maintained a 0% VAT rate on the supply and installation of energy-saving materials in 2026. This tax relief applies to:
- Solar panels and wind turbines
- Air and ground source heat pumps
- Wood-fueled boilers
- Cavity wall, loft, and floor insulation
- Draught strippers
This VAT exemption represents an automatic 20% saving on both materials and installation labor.
[!IMPORTANT] Use MCS-Certified Installers: To qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and most other government grants, your installation must be carried out by a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certified installer. Uncertified DIY work is not eligible for funding.
Connect with certified energy installers on GetBuilder
Upgrading your home's energy efficiency requires specialized, certified professionals. On GetBuilder, you can connect with local, vetted tradespeople qualified to install green energy measures:
- Post your green project: Upload details of your insulation, solar, or heat pump requirements for free on GetBuilder.
- Compare specialist profiles: Check trade credentials, certifications (like MCS or Gas Safe), and reviews from local clients.
- Compare written quotes: Secure detailed, competitive estimates to make the most of government subsidies.
