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What is the Warm Homes Plan? The Warm Homes Plan (WHP) is a £15 billion UK government initiative to upgrade 5 million homes by 2030. Key benefits for 2026 include £7,500 heat pump grants, 0% interest loans for solar panels, and fully funded energy efficiency packages for low-income households to reduce fuel poverty.
Government grants and energy policies are ever-evolving. At OVO Solar & Heating, we are monitoring these updates closely, but our current installation and support services are continuing as normal.
Our goal right now is to educate. If you’re looking to buy and want to understand how these future grants might affect your home, our experts are here to help. You can talk to an OVO expert for personalised advice or start your journey with a free online heat pump estimate, or solar panel estimate to see what’s possible for your home today.
The UK Government has officially unveiled the Warm Homes Plan (WHP), a landmark £15 billion investment designed to transform how we power and heat our homes.
With the goal of lifting 1 million people out of fuel poverty and tripling rooftop solar by 2030, the plan introduces the first-ever universal offer for solar energy and low-carbon heating.
The 3 pillars of the Warm Homes Plan
The warm homes plan is built on 3 strategic pillars to make sure every UK resident can access green technology:
- An offer for everyone: Introduction of zero and low-interest loans for solar panels, batteries, and heat pumps
- Direct support for low-income families: £5 billion in "free packages" for eligible households, covering 100% of installation costs
- New protections for renters: Mandatory energy efficiency standards for private and social landlords by 2030
Solar panels & battery storage: the "rooftop revolution"
The government is targeting a "solar revolution" to reduce reliance on the gas grid. For the first time, solar is being treated as a standard home upgrade rather than a luxury.
Government-backed solar loans
For the "able-to-pay" market, the Consumer Loans Scheme (launching April 2027) will provide up to £1.7bn in low-interest financing. This removes the massive upfront cost barrier, allowing homeowners to pay for solar panels and home batteries through manageable monthly installments that are often offset by their energy savings.
Free solar for low-income households
If you are in a low-income bracket, you may be eligible for a fully funded solar and battery package. Backed by £5bn of investment, these packages ensure that those most affected by high energy prices can generate their own free electricity.
Get a head start with OVO Solar Thinking of joining the "rooftop revolution"? You can get a free solar estimate from OVO in minutes to see how many panels your roof can hold and your potential savings. Plus, through the OVO Beyond app, customers can actually "bank" up to five free solar panels to be redeemed when they're ready to install. It’s a great way to lower the upfront cost of your 2026 upgrade while securing a top-tier Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) rate of up to 20p/kWh for the energy you sell back to the grid.
Heat pump grants: the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) expansion
The popular Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) has been extended to 2030 with a total budget of £2.7bn. The government has increased the incentives to make switching from gas even more attractive.
Key heat pump incentives for 2026
- £7,500 grant: Available for hydronic (air-to-water) heat pumps
- New £2,500 grant: For the first time, air-to-air heat pumps (which can also provide cooling in summer) are included in the scheme
- No EPC requirements: The government has removed the previous requirement to have no outstanding loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations on your EPC to access the grant
Simplify your switch with OVO Heating Navigating heat pump grants doesn't have to be complicated. OVO offers an all-in-one service that handles everything from the initial design and free online heat pump estimate to the final installation.
Am I eligible for the Warm Homes Plan 2026?
Eligibility depends on your household income, property type, and existing energy efficiency. Generally, you qualify for the most support if:
- Low-Income Support: Your household earns below a certain threshold (to be confirmed March 2026) or you receive qualifying benefits.
- Able-to-Pay: You are a homeowner looking to install heat pumps; you can access the £7,500 BUS grant regardless of income.
- Social Housing: Your property is managed by a local authority or housing association participating in the Warm Homes Fund.
- Private Renters: You live in a property with an EPC rating below C (landlords must meet new standards by 2030).
Timeline: when can you apply?
Understanding the "What next" timeline is crucial for planning your home upgrades:
- Early 2026: Call for evidence to identify further market impacts
- March 2026: Full details released on the low-income offer
- April 2026: Budget measures taking an average of £150 off energy bills kicks in
- Early 2027: The Future Homes Standard mandates solar panels and clean heat for all new builds
- April 2027: Launch of the £1.7bn Consumer Loan Scheme combined with £300m of government funding
- By 2030: Minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) become mandatory for all rental properties
Non-domestic & social housing upgrades
The plan isn't just for individual homeowners. The Warm Homes Fund is also targeting:
- Social housing: Upgrading entire streets at a time to maximise efficiency
- Non-domestic buildings: Exploring green finance for businesses and public buildings to reach Net Zero targets
- Expert Tip: If you are a private renter, your landlord may soon be required to upgrade your home’s energy efficiency to meet new standards. This is expected to save renters an average of £210 per year
Ready to upgrade?
The Warm Homes Plan is the most comprehensive support package ever offered for UK renewables. Whether you are looking for a £7,500 heat pump grant or 0% interest solar financing, 2026 is the year to start your transition.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the Warm Homes Plan
Can I get a grant for solar panels in 2026?
Yes. Under the Warm Homes Plan, low-income households can receive fully funded solar packages. For others, the government is launching a Consumer Loan Scheme in April 2027 providing low-interest or 0% financing for rooftop solar.
Is the £7,500 heat pump grant still available?
Yes, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) has been extended to 2030. In 2026, you can claim £7,500 for an air-to-water heat pump or a new £2,500 grant for air-to-air systems.
Do I need an EPC to apply for the Warm Homes Plan?
While you still need a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to identify your home’s needs, the 2026 rules have removed the requirement to clear all insulation recommendations before accessing heat pump grants.
Take the first step today Don't wait for energy prices to shift—see what the Warm Homes Plan can do for your property now. Whether you want to explore solar potential or find out if your home is heat-pump ready, you can start your journey with a free, no-obligation ashp estimate or solar panel estimate from OVO Solar & Heating.