Solar Panel Finance & Incentives
Financial Incentives
Three Reasons Solar Pays for Itself
The UK government and energy suppliers have created a financial environment where solar panels are genuinely one of the best home investments available.
0% VAT
Save £1,500+ vs pre-2022
Since April 2022, all residential solar panel installations attract 0% VAT — down from 20%. On a typical 4kW system costing £7,000, that is a saving of £1,400 built directly into your price.
Smart Export Guarantee
Up to 15p per kWh exported
Any excess electricity your panels generate is automatically exported to the grid. Under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), your energy supplier pays you for every kWh you export — typically 12–15p/kWh.
Bill Savings
Up to £1,200/yr for a 4kW system
By generating your own electricity at ~0p per unit instead of buying at 30p+, a 4kW system in Yorkshire typically saves £800–£1,200 per year — depending on your usage patterns and export rates.
Zero VAT Explained
0% VAT on Solar Panels
Since 1 April 2022, the UK government removed VAT entirely from residential solar panel installations. This rate is confirmed until at least 2027 under current legislation.
The zero rate applies to the full installation — panels, inverter, mounting hardware, cabling, and labour — when installed on a domestic property. There is nothing for you to claim or apply for. Your installer simply invoices at 0%.
Before 2022, solar panels attracted 5% VAT (having been reduced from 20%). The current 0% rate means that compared to 2019, a £7,000 system is approximately £1,400 cheaper in real terms.
Battery storage installed at the same time as solar panels also qualifies for 0% VAT. Standalone battery retrofits may attract 20% VAT — speak to our team for confirmation on your specific installation.
All Amppro Electrical quotes already include 0% VAT pricing. No hidden extras.
VAT Saving Example
Export Payments
Smart Export Guarantee Rates 2026
The SEG pays you for electricity you export to the grid. Any large supplier with over 150,000 customers must offer an SEG tariff — these are current indicative rates.
| Supplier | Export Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Octopus Energy | 15p/kWh | Flux Tariff (variable, can exceed 15p) |
| E.ON Next | 15p/kWh | Export Tariff fixed rate |
| British Gas | 15p/kWh | Electric Driver tariff |
| Ovo Energy | 15p/kWh | SEG standard rate |
| EDF Energy | 15p/kWh | SEG standard rate |
Rates are indicative and subject to change. Always check directly with your supplier for the latest offer.
How much SEG income could you earn?
A 4kW system exports roughly 1,200–1,800 kWh per year in Yorkshire (30–40% of generation). At 15p/kWh that is £180–£270 in annual SEG payments — on top of your bill savings.
Additional Support
Grants & Council Schemes
Availability depends on your location and circumstances. We can help you identify what you may be eligible for during your free survey.
ECO4 Scheme
Government-funded energy efficiency scheme. Solar may be available for households receiving certain benefits or with a low EPC rating. Our surveyors can assess your eligibility.
Council Flex Schemes
Many South Yorkshire councils participate in Local Authority Flex schemes allowing ECO4 funding to extend beyond standard benefit requirements. Doncaster, Rotherham, and Sheffield all have active schemes.
Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2)
Funding for energy efficiency improvements in off-gas-grid homes, including solar panels. Available via local authority applications. Eligibility is income and EPC based.
0% Finance
For those who do not qualify for grants, we work with finance providers offering 0% interest payment plans on qualifying installations. Spread the cost with no additional charge.
Common Questions
Finance FAQs
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. When you book an installation with an MCS-certified installer like Amppro Electrical, the 0% VAT rate is automatically applied to your invoice. You do not need to apply separately — it is a statutory zero rating for residential solar.
After installation, contact your electricity supplier and request to join their SEG tariff. You will need your MCS certificate (which we provide after installation) and your export meter details. Your supplier must offer an SEG if they have more than 150,000 customers.
There are no universal UK-wide grants for residential solar in 2026, but several council schemes, ECO4 funding, and local authority flex schemes may apply depending on your postcode and household income. We can advise during your free survey.
Yes — battery storage installed alongside solar panels at the same time qualifies for 0% VAT. Standalone battery storage (without solar) may attract 20% VAT. We can confirm the applicable rate for your installation at the survey stage.
We work with third-party finance providers who offer 0% interest finance on qualifying installations. Ask our team about current finance options during your free survey and quotation visit.
Ready to Cut Your Energy Bills?
Get a free, no-obligation quote for your property. We'll survey your roof, design your system, and show you exactly what you'll save — with no pressure.
- MCS-certified installation
- 25-year panel warranty
- 0% VAT on residential
- Free energy report included
"Absolutely brilliant from start to finish. The team surveyed our roof, explained everything clearly, and had 12 panels installed in a single day. Already seeing…"
Sarah M.
Doncaster
4.2/5
Rating
50+
Installs
0%
VAT