What Grants Are Currently Available to Homeowners in the UK For Battery Storage?
26 January 2026
With energy bills a continuing concern for UK households, many are turning to battery storage to make use of cheaper or self-generated electricity and cut their reliance on the grid.
Although there’s no UK-wide grant exclusively for battery storage, a range of schemes are making solar-and-storage systems more accessible, and government policy increasingly supports this direction.
In 2025, Ed Miliband announced plans for a new grant programme to boost rooftop solar across the UK, aiming to make clean energy more accessible and affordable. While the focus is mainly on solar panels, battery storage is expected to complement these systems by storing surplus energy and helping households get the most from any new government incentives.
For homeowners considering battery storage, this signals a significant shift. While grants today are often indirect or bundled with other measures, future support is likely to favour integrated solar and battery systems rather than standalone technologies.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allows homeowners with solar panels and battery storage to earn money by exporting excess electricity back to the grid. SEG rates vary by supplier, but pairing solar with a battery helps households maximise energy storage and increase the amount of electricity they can sell.
Warm Homes: Local Grant (England)
This flagship scheme under the government’s Warm Homes Plan offers means-tested support for energy efficiency and renewable tech, including solar panels and battery storage as part of larger home upgrades.
Who it’s for: Low-income homeowners (household income approximately £36,000 or below) or households on certain benefits, in eligible areas.
What it covers: Up to £15,000 towards energy-saving improvements, including solar and battery systems; an additional £15,000 may be available for low-carbon heating, such as heat pumps.
Zero VAT on solar and batteries
Until at least March 2027, solar panels and battery storage installed together in domestic properties benefit from 0% VAT. This significantly reduces upfront installation costs and has helped accelerate adoption across the UK.
Who it’s for: All UK homeowners installing eligible solar panels and battery storage systems.
Local Council & Regional Grants
Many local authorities and devolved governments run small-scale schemes that can include renewable installations.
Scotland: Some councils have offered free solar + battery installations, loans, or part-funded grants as part of local climate initiatives. Geographic specifics vary.
Wales & Northern Ireland: Warm Homes Nest and other region-specific schemes sometimes fund solar and battery tech for eligible homes.
Always check your local council energy advice pages, as these often provide the most up-to-date information on small grants or low-interest loan schemes for solar panels and battery storage - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/find-energy-grants-for-you-home-help-to-heat
What’s coming next?
In 2025, Ed Miliband set out plans to significantly expand government support for solar adoption as part of a broader push to lower household energy bills and accelerate the UK’s transition to clean power. The announcement focused on removing barriers to rooftop solar, particularly for homes that have historically been excluded due to upfront costs or planning complexity.
While policy details are still emerging, it’s clear that household renewables are a growing priority. Incentives for solar are likely to be most effective when paired with battery storage, helping homes become more energy-independent and easing demand on the grid.
As the UK transitions to a smarter energy system, battery storage is becoming central rather than optional. Upcoming government schemes are expected to prioritise combined solar and storage solutions, especially those that help shift energy use, lower costs, and support a stable grid.
sources:
- In 2025, Ed Miliband announced plans for a new solar grant programme to accelerate rooftop solar adoption across the UK:https://www.gbnews.com/money/energy-bills-ed-miliband-warm-home-plans
- future support is likely to favour integrated solar and battery systems rather than standalone technologies: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy7gj181k0o
- Smart Export guarantee: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/smart-export-guarantee-seg
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/smart-export-guarantee-seg-earn-money-for-exporting-the-renewable-electricity-you-have-generated - Warm homes local grants:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-warm-homes-local-grant
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/warm-homes-local-grant/ - Zero VAT on solar + batteries:
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/is-solar-battery-storage-worth-it/
https://solarenergyuk.org/resource/vat-on-solar-and-battery-storage/ - ECO (Energy Company Obligation)
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/energy-company-obligation-eco
https://www.gov.uk/energy-company-obligation - Local and Regional schemes:
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-businesses/find-business-energy-efficiency-grants-and-schemes
https://www.fmb.org.uk/homepicks/solar-panels/solar-panel-grants/
