What solar finance is

Solar finance means borrowing money to pay for panels. It can be a personal loan, a loan arranged by the installer, or a larger mortgage. The Warm Homes Plan also mentions green mortgages that give cashback for home improvements.

You repay the loan with interest, so the panels cost more than the cash price. Therefore, compare offers carefully. Nobody can promise that savings will cover your repayments.

This page is independent information. We are not a lender, broker or installer, so we cannot approve finance for you.

Who it is for

Finance is open to anyone who can pass a lender’s checks, in any part of the UK. However, rules on grants differ by nation. See solar funding routes in England and solar funding routes in Scotland for the grants that may cost you less than a loan.

Some people qualify for help that needs no repayment, so check those routes first. Our funding questions page can help you decide.

Tenants need the landlord’s agreement before panels go on the roof.

What it can pay for

A loan can pay for panels, a battery and installation. Each lender sets its own rules. Ask what it covers, because you need the total you will repay.

The zero VAT rate on solar applies to installation until 31 March 2027. Make sure your quote shows it, because finance costs sit on top of the price.

Current status

The government plans a low-cost solar loan for homeowners across Great Britain. The Warm Homes Plan says it would support rooftop solar alongside batteries and heat pumps. It sets aside up to £1.7 billion for new low-interest and zero-interest consumer loans, although funding still needs further approval.

As of 10 October 2026, we found no launch date, lender list or application route. The government said it would share eligibility details later in 2026. Read the Warm Homes Plan page for more.

Until GOV.UK says the loan is open, treat any offer that uses its name with caution, since scammers copy official names.

How to apply or take the next step

Start by comparing the cost of borrowing, not only the monthly payment. Ask for the interest rate, the total to repay and any fees, since these change the real cost. Then compare at least three quotes, as RECC suggests.

Check every firm before you deal with it. The Financial Conduct Authority says almost all firms that provide financial services need authorisation. Use the FCA Firm Checker or the Financial Services Register to see if the firm has permission.

Our solar panel finance checklist and guide to comparing solar quotes walk through the steps.

What to check before you agree to anything

You have rights. For example, if the Consumer Credit Act covers your credit agreement, you can cancel within 14 days of signing. Paying by credit card may also give you protection under Section 75, for items costing between £100 and £30,000. However, Citizens Advice says you usually cannot use Section 75 if you did not buy directly from the trader. As a result, a loan from a separate lender may not give that cover.

If a business approaches you away from its premises, you also get a 14-day cooling-off period on services costing £42 or more. Citizens Advice says to pay by a secure method, and to get a written contract before work starts. RECC’s guide says not to pay more than 25% as a deposit.

Before you sign, check these points.

  • Is the lender authorised by the FCA?
  • What is the total you will repay?
  • Can you repay early without a fee?
  • Is any “grant” or “free” claim shown in writing and on GOV.UK?

Be wary of high-pressure sales. Our guides to scams and red flags and doorstep and cold-call scams explain what to look for.

FAQ / QUICK ANSWERS

Common questions

Is there a government loan for solar panels?
One is planned under the Warm Homes Plan, but we found no launch date or application route on GOV.UK as of 10 October 2026. Do not apply through anyone who says it is open.
How do I check a solar finance company is genuine?
Search the Financial Services Register using the FCA Firm Checker. The FCA says to avoid firms that are not authorised. A registered firm that is not authorised may leave you without protection from the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Can I cancel a solar loan?
If the credit agreement is covered by the Consumer Credit Act, you can cancel within 14 days of signing. If you already received money, you must pay it back, and the lender must give you 30 days. Check the paperwork for your own deal.
Should I pay a solar deposit?
RECC's guide says to make sure you are not asked for more than 25% of the final price as a deposit. It also suggests getting at least three quotes. Always get a written contract first.