Available funds for Solar PV Systems
The Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan Scheme is a Scottish Government-funded programme that helps homeowners in Scotland install clean heating systems (like heat pumps) and energy efficiency measures (like insulation). It offers grants (which you don’t repay), interest-free loans, or a combination of both.
Key Funding Amounts (as of 2026)
- Clean heating systems (e.g., air/ground/water source heat pumps, heat network connections, eligible biomass boilers): Up to £7,500 grant + optional £7,500 interest-free loan.
- Energy efficiency measures (e.g., insulation): Grant covers up to 75% of costs, to a maximum of £7,500 combined. The remainder can be covered by an optional interest-free loan (up to the per-measure limit).
- Rural and island uplift: An extra £1,500 grant for both heating and efficiency categories in qualifying remote rural, island, or off-gas rural areas (per Scottish Government Urban Rural Classification). This can mean up to £18,000 in total grant funding for rural households.
Maximum grant alone is often described as up to £15,000 (£7,500 heating + £7,500 efficiency), before any loan or rural uplift.
Funding is subject to availability and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Agreements are valid for 9 months.
Eligible Measures (Examples)
Heating/Renewables (MCS-certified installers and products usually required):
- Heat pumps (must provide 100% of heating/hot water; hybrids not eligible)
- Heat network connections
- Biomass boilers/stoves (with conditions)
- Solar thermal, certain solar PV-T, wind/hydro (loan only in some cases)
Energy Efficiency:
- Solid wall insulation (higher funding)
- Loft, cavity, underfloor, flat roof/room-in-roof insulation
- Double/triple glazing (conditions apply), insulated doors
- Heating controls, high heat retention storage heaters, etc.
Secondary measures (e.g., draught proofing) are only eligible with a primary improvement. Measures generally need to be recommended in an EPC or specialist report.
Who Is Eligible?
- Homeowners (owner-occupiers) of an existing property in Scotland that is your only or primary residence.
- You do not need to receive benefits.
- Not eligible: Private landlords (separate scheme available), businesses, property developers.
How to Apply
- Contact SSG RETROFIT today for free, impartial advice:
- Phone: 07583932761
- Or complete the contact form on our website.
- An advisor will discuss your home and needs, check eligibility, and refer you (possibly with a specialist renewables report).
- You’ll receive a link to an online application. Provide: EPC/specialist report, itemised quotes, and other docs.
- Applications are processed in ~10 working days (if complete).
- If approved, sign the agreement, complete works within 9 months, and claim funding (with invoices, post-install EPC, etc.).
Important notes:
- Do not start work until you have a written funding offer.
- For renewables, use qualified installers (e.g., MCS, TrustMark where required).
- Loans have an admin fee (1.5% of loan value, max £150) and repayment terms (typically 5–12 years depending on amount).
- Deposit payments (up to 60% for some renewables) may be available.
Funding and rules can change, so contact SSG Retrofit directly for personalised advice based on your property and circumstances. They can also help with EPCs or reports if needed. This is a popular scheme, so apply early if interested.
