With rising energy costs and a growing emphasis on sustainability, many people in Wales are looking for ways to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint. Through the UK government’s ECO 4 scheme, homeowners and tenants in Wales can get solar panels installed for free, as part of a package of home upgrades. These upgrades improve the energy efficiency of your home, meaning much cheaper energy bills.
In this blog post, we’ll explain how the ECO 4 scheme works, who is eligible, and how you can take advantage of this opportunity to save hundreds per year and get solar panels free.
Are solar panels worth it in Wales?
Most definitely! Alongside all the benefits of solar, Wales is the prime place for installation. That’s because Wales receives more daylight and experiences fewer clouds than most locations in the UK.
There are over 100,000 solar panel installations on homes and businesses across Wales, meaning they are making are making the most of the benefits solar panels have to offer. This includes:
- Reduced energy costs
- Lower carbon footprint
- Less reliance on the Grid
- Increased value of your property
The average cost of a solar panel installation on a 3-bedroom house is approximately £7,000. This is a costly investment, especially if you’re already struggling with your energy bills! Luckily, you can get solar and more installed on your property, completely free of charge, if you qualify. That’s thanks to the government backed ECO4 scheme, which is available to homeowners and private tenants across Wales.
The ECO4 Scheme: What is it?
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions and tackling fuel poverty. The fourth phase of this program, ECO 4, focuses on helping low-income and vulnerable households by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. One of the key measures under this scheme is the installation of free solar panels.
As well as completely free solar for qualifying households, you could get:
- Insulation. This includes oft insulation, internal wall insulation, under-floor insulation or cavity wall insulation. This can help save you hundreds off your energy bill by reducing energy wastage, meaning your home will retain its heat and cost less to keep warm.
- An Air Source Heat Pump. These pumps are an eco-friendly alternative to old boilers, and are 400% more efficient! They have swept the UK by storm after high popularity in cold European countries. They work in Norway in temperatures of -8 degrees C, so you can be certain they will work even throughout the UK winters!
You can read more about how people across Wales are benefiting from the ECO4 scheme here.
How do I apply for free solar in Wales?
If you qualify for ECO4, you”ll get free solar, insulation, and an air source heat pump installed. Applying is easy, simply answer the questions in our eligibility checker below, and you’ll find out within 30 seconds if you qualify. If you do, someone from Energy Advice Helpline will give you a call in the next few days to book your surveyor, who will check your property and decide on what upgrades you’ll receive alongside your free solar panels.
To check your eligibility for free solar panels, use the checker below!
Comments
[…] Find Out More On Solar Panels: How To Get Free Solar In Wales – Energy Advice Helpline […]
I live in Wales. Moving to a rented bungalow with oil central heating shortly.enquiring if I am eligable for free solar panels. I am a 74 year old disabled pensioner in receipt of pip with full rate of both daily living and mobility allowance. My annual income just under is £24,000 excluding the pip allowance.
Hi Anne, thanks for getting in touch. From the information you’ve provided, it sounds like you would qualify for the ECO4 scheme, where you receive solar panels, insulation, and an air source heat pump. If you apply here https://energyadvicehelpline.org/grants/?utm_source=organic&utm_medium=menu&utm_term=green-buttom a member of our team can give you a call in the next few days to check that you’re eligible and answer any questions. Hope this helps!
Ceri