Solar Panel Grants & Incentives in Devon & Cornwall (2025 Update)
Introduction
Thinking about solar in Devon or Cornwall? Good timing. While there isn’t a single “free solar” grant any more, there are several incentives and schemes that cut costs or boost returns — from 0% VAT to export payments and targeted help for lower-income households. Below is a plain-English tour of what’s available in 2025, plus how homeowners in Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall typically use them together.
1) 0% VAT on Solar (Until 31 March 2027)
Domestic solar PV and eligible battery storage are zero-rated for VAT on installation in Great Britain until 31 March 2027. That’s an automatic ~5% saving versus the usual reduced rate, applied by your installer on your invoice — no forms needed. GOV.UKSolar Energy UK
Good for: Nearly all owner-occupied homes and rented homes where the landlord orders the works.
Tip: If you’re considering a battery, bundling it with solar usually qualifies the whole job at 0% VAT. GOV.UK
2) Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) — Get Paid for Exports
Once your system is generating, you can be paid for the electricity you export back to the grid. This is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). You choose a supplier/tariff and get paid per kWh exported (rates vary by supplier and can change). Ofgem+1Energy Saving Trust
Good for: Any PV system with an export-capable meter (a smart meter makes it easiest).
Tip: Even if your import supplier is X, you can pick a different company for your SEG tariff.
3) ECO4 (Targeted Support Until March 2026)
ECO4 is a UK-wide scheme that funds energy-efficiency upgrades for eligible, lower-income households and harder-to-heat homes. Solar PV and related measures can be covered where they meet the rules (usually as part of a wider package led by an obligated energy supplier). Check current guidance and local delivery partners. Ofgem+2Ofgem+2
Good for: Households on certain benefits or meeting local-authority “flex” criteria; properties with poor EPC ratings.
How to start: Speak to an obligated supplier or your local council’s ECO partner for an eligibility check. Ofgem
4) Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) — Off-Gas, Low-Income Homes
Some local authorities in Devon & Cornwall offer HUG2 for off-gas, lower-income homes (often EPC D–G). Funding can include solar PV alongside insulation and heating upgrades, subject to local delivery plans and eligibility. Availability varies by council and phase. GOV.UKGOV.UKwestdevon.gov.uk
Good for: Off-gas rural properties across Devon/Cornwall meeting income/EPC criteria.
How to start: Check your district/ unitary council’s HUG2 page for current status.
5) “Solar Together” Group-Buying (Occasional Rounds)
Devon and other South West areas have periodically run Solar Together — a group-buying programme that pre-vets installers and aggregates demand to sharpen pricing. Rounds open/close during the year, so check if Devon/Cornwall is active now. Solar Together+1dartmoor.gov.uk
Good for: Homeowners who like a managed process and auction-driven pricing.
Note: You can still compare a local independent quote (often competitive in Plymouth/Devon).
How People in Devon & Cornwall Combine These
Install PV (+ optional battery) with 0% VAT applied on the invoice. GOV.UK
Register SEG with a strong export tariff to monetise surplus. Ofgem
If eligible, pursue ECO4/HUG2 via your council or an obligated supplier for added funding. OfgemGOV.UK
What About Local Council Grants?
Councils in Devon and Cornwall mainly channel national pots (ECO4, HUG2) or run periodic schemes (e.g., Solar Together). Always check your specific council’s energy/retrofit page for current rounds. GOV.UKwestdevon.gov.ukCornwall Council
Are Grants Available to Everyone?
No — universal grants for standard, on-gas homes are rare in 2025. Most funding is targeted (income/EPC/off-gas). The biggest universal boosts are 0% VAT and SEG payments, which together materially improve payback. GOV.UKOfgem
Next Steps (Local, high-intent)
Want a quick estimate? See our Solar Panel Installation (Plymouth) page →
Prefer to speak to a person? Call +447939190302 or email hello@coleenergy.co.uk
Ready for a free survey? Book your site survey
Cole Energy does not currently install under ECO or HUG2 grant schemes. All installations are customer-funded. We may look to offer installations under government-backed schemes in the future once eligibility and certification requirements are met.
FAQ
Q1: Can I get a grant to cover all the cost of solar in Devon/Cornwall?
A: Fully-funded installs are uncommon in 2025 and usually tied to schemes like ECO4/HUG2 for eligible households. Most homeowners rely on 0% VAT plus SEG to improve payback. GOV.UK+1Ofgem
Q2: How do SEG payments work?
A: You pick a supplier/export tariff and are paid per kWh you export. Rates vary; you’re not locked to your import supplier. OfgemEnergy Saving Trust
Q3: Is there a deadline for 0% VAT?
A: Yes — it’s currently scheduled to run until 31 March 2027, after which the rate returns to 5% under current policy. GOV.UK
