Generating your own low-carbon energy or upgrading how your home is heated can
cut your bills and your carbon footprint – and there are
government-backed schemes designed to help with the cost. The support
available changes regularly, and eligibility, grant amounts and the schemes
themselves are updated by government and by the regulator, Ofgem. This guide
explains the main types of help so you know what to look for, but always
confirm what is open, and how much you could get, on GOV.UK or the Ofgem
website before you commit.

Grants for heat pumps and low-carbon heating

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers eligible homeowners in England and Wales a
grant towards replacing a fossil-fuel heating system with a heat pump or, in
some cases, a biomass boiler. It is aimed at people who own their property and
are moving away from oil, gas, LPG or electric heating. Scotland and Northern
Ireland run their own separate schemes, so check the support offered where you
live. Because grant levels and the exact rules are reviewed from time to time,
check the current amount and eligibility criteria on GOV.UK before choosing an
installer.

Help with insulation and efficiency

Warming your home is only worthwhile if that heat stays in, so insulation
support often sits alongside heating grants. The Energy Company Obligation
(ECO) requires larger energy suppliers to fund energy-efficiency improvements
– such as insulation and heating upgrades – for households on
certain benefits or low incomes. Schemes in this area have opened, changed and
closed over the years, so the names and details shift: rather than rely on a
scheme you have heard of, check with Ofgem or your energy supplier for what is
currently running. Your local council may also offer efficiency support, and
many area-based schemes are delivered through councils.

Getting paid for solar energy you export

If you install solar panels or another small-scale renewable generator, the
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) lets you be paid for surplus electricity you send
back to the grid. Under the SEG, licensed energy suppliers must offer a tariff
that pays for each unit you export. Rates and tariff types vary between
suppliers, and the supplier paying you does not have to be the one that
supplies your electricity, so it is worth comparing offers. You will usually
need an export meter (typically a smart meter) so your exported energy can be
measured accurately.

Why certified installers and products matter

Most grants and export schemes require your equipment to be fitted by a
certified installer using certified products – commonly under the
Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). This is not just a formality:

  • Eligibility – funding such as the Boiler Upgrade
    Scheme, and payment schemes such as the SEG, generally require MCS-certified
    installation to qualify.
  • Quality and safety – certification sets standards for
    how equipment is designed and installed, reducing the risk of poor work.
  • Consumer protection – certified installers are
    expected to belong to a recognised consumer code, giving you a route to
    redress if something goes wrong.

Always confirm an installer’s certification before agreeing to work, and
get a written quote setting out the equipment, the price and the guarantees.

Check before you commit

No scheme guarantees you a grant, a set amount or acceptance –
eligibility depends on your property, your circumstances and the funding
available at the time. Be cautious of anyone who promises ‘free’
upgrades or guaranteed approval, or who pressures you to sign up on the spot;
genuine schemes never work that way. Check the current position directly with
GOV.UK and Ofgem, and use a certified installer.

For an overview of the funding available to households, see our
grants section. You can find related guidance on bills,
suppliers and switching in energy and water, and
if you are struggling to afford your energy costs our guide to
help for households explains the wider
support on offer.