Funding & Grants · ECO4 Guide
ECO4 Scheme
Eligibility Guide 2025
Government-funded solar panels and energy improvements for eligible households. Find out if you qualify — and what you could get for free.
What Is ECO4?
The Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) scheme requires larger energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements for eligible homes. The scheme runs until March 2026. Qualifying improvements include solar panels, loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation, and heat pump installations — all at no cost to eligible households.
ECO4 is distinct from the previous Feed-in Tariff and from the current Smart Export Guarantee — it is specifically for lower-income households or those with poor energy performance ratings. If you don't qualify for ECO4, the 0% VAT and Smart Export Guarantee are available to everyone.
ECO4 Eligibility Criteria
There are two routes to ECO4 eligibility:
Route 1: Benefits-based eligibility
If anyone in your household receives one of these benefits, you may qualify regardless of your income:
Route 2: Low income + low EPC rating
If you don't receive qualifying benefits but your household income is below £36,000 AND your home has an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G, you may qualify for ECO4 under the Flexible Eligibility route — applied for through your local council.
Most properties built before 1990 that haven't had recent insulation upgrades will have a D or lower EPC rating. Energy Concerns can advise on your EPC status during a free assessment.
ECO4 in Our Service Area
ECO4 is a national scheme, but delivery varies by local authority. Some areas have particularly strong ECO4 delivery infrastructure:
Leicester City Council actively promotes ECO4 via the Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme
City Council partnership with E.ON — free solar for eligible low-income households
Greener HousiNG scheme — 650+ free solar installations for eligible residents
West Northants Council supports ECO4 applications for qualifying households
Over £1m in ECO4 funding delivered to Hinckley and Bosworth in 2022
Derby City Council YES Energy Solutions ECO4 delivery partnership
Free ECO4 Eligibility Check
Energy Concerns carries out free eligibility checks for ECO4 during every survey. We can tell you whether your household qualifies, which improvements you may be eligible for, and how to apply. If you don't qualify for ECO4, we'll advise on all other available funding routes including 0% VAT and the Smart Export Guarantee.
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