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01 · Ask
Heat pump, solar, battery or all?
Different priorities, different ROI. Describe the house, the bills and the budget — the AI tells you what stacks up.
A guide to 2026 renewables grants.
BUS £7,500-£9,000, ECO4, GBIS, Warm Homes Plan — every UK renewable grant covered in one place.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
20,000+UK homeowners
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Hire a renewables installer. MCS or no grant.
Read the brief on MCS, BUS grants, heat-loss surveys and right-sizing — then let Three local installers quote.
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02 · Read the brief
Walk in informed
BUS £7,500 heat pump grant, SEG export tariffs, MCS certification, EPC requirements, radiator upgrades. Know the rules.
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03 · Compare
Compare 3 installer quotes
Three local installers quote on the same spec — heat-loss, sizing, grants, warranty — so the cheapest isn't accidentally the unfunded.
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Top tips
Hiring a renewable energy, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Use MCS-certified installers only.
BUS, ECO4, SEG payments all require MCS-certified installation. Any installer without MCS means no grants and no SEG export tariff.
Get a heat-loss survey for heat pumps.
Heat pumps must be properly sized to your house heat loss. Insist on a Heat Loss Calculation (MCS-recognised) — never a 'kW per m²' shortcut.
Check radiator compatibility.
Heat pumps run at lower flow temps (35–55°C vs 70°C for gas). Most existing rads are undersized. Cost: £200–£500 per upgraded rad — get this on the quote.
Don't oversize solar PV.
Generation beyond what you export earns 5–15p/kWh (SEG). Generation you use saves 30p+. Right-sized to consumption beats massive arrays for ROI.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Air source heat pump (install)Pre-grant
£8k–£14k
Ground source heat pump
£18k–£35k
Solar PV 4kW system
£6k–£9k
Battery storage (5kWh)
£3.5k–£6.5k
Solar thermal (hot water)
£4k–£7.5k
EV charger (Type 2, 7kW)
£800–£1.5k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
Infographic · VideoThe Renewable Energy briefing.
Infographic
Renewable Energy quick-view
Video guide
Renewable Energy explained
UK renewable energy has multiple grant schemes for 2026. Understanding which applies saves £000s. Expect significant reduction in install costs with proper grant claims.
What Does the Work Involve?
Multiple schemes: BUS (Boiler Upgrade Scheme) — £7,500 for ASHP, £5,000 for GSHP/biomass. ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) — means-tested, can cover insulation, heat pumps, full home retrofit. GBIS (Great British Insulation Scheme) — broader eligibility for insulation upgrades. SEG (Smart Export Guarantee) — pay-per-kWh for solar PV export.
Typical Grants
| Scheme | Amount | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUS — ASHP | £7,500 | All homeowners | Until 2028 |
| BUS — GSHP | £5,000 | All homeowners | Until 2028 |
| BUS — Biomass | £5,000 | Rural only | Off-gas grid |
| ECO4 — Insulation | £1,000–£15,000 | Means-tested | Income-related |
| ECO4 — Heat pump | Up to £15,000 | Means-tested | Combined with BUS |
| GBIS — Insulation | £100–£3,000 | EPC D and below | Broader eligibility |
| SEG — Solar export | 5–30p/kWh | MCS solar | Per-kWh exported |
| OZEV — EV charger | £350 | EV ownership | Home charger install |
| Local council scheme | Variable | Check locally | Some councils offer extra |
How Long Does It Take?
BUS: 4-8 weeks application. ECO4: variable based on supplier. GBIS: similar to ECO4. SEG: ongoing income from energy supplier.
DIY or Professional?
MCS-certified installer handles BUS, MCS, SEG applications. Energy supplier handles smart meter. Customer applies via portal.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
MCS-certified for BUS and SEG. ECO4-approved installer (via energy supplier). Check installer is signed up to relevant schemes.
UK Regulations
BUS: through OFGEM. ECO4: through energy suppliers and TrustMark. GBIS: through energy suppliers. SEG: through energy supplier (your existing one or switch). MCS certification mandatory for most.
Common Problems
- Missing eligible grants: Many homeowners don't claim ECO4 or GBIS thinking they're not eligible. Always check.
- Wrong installer: ECO4 installer different from BUS installer. Two separate authorisations.
- Grant timing: Some installs require grant approval before commencement. Verify before booking.
- SEG rate variation: Energy supplier SEG rates vary 5-30p/kWh. Compare and switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best renewable grant in 2026?
BUS for heat pumps: £7,500-£5,000. Most generous government scheme. Available all homeowners.
How to qualify for ECO4?
Means-tested: low-income household, certain benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, etc), EPC E/F/G rating. Check via energy supplier.
Will grants stack?
BUS + ECO4 can stack. SEG income runs separately. ECO4 + GBIS — usually not (one or the other).
SEG export rates?
5p/kWh (basic suppliers), 15-30p/kWh (premium suppliers, smart tariffs). Octopus Flux: variable up to 25p+.
How long does BUS take to receive?
Approval 4-8 weeks. Grant paid to installer (you pay difference). Installation can complete in parallel.
Future of grants?
BUS extended to 2028. ECO4 to 2026 (likely extended). Watch for new schemes. UK government committed to net zero — renewable grants likely to continue.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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