Warm Homes Local Grant Hampshire

Hampshire councils received £26 million from the Warm Homes Local Grant in 2025. Individual households can receive up to £30,000 in total — up to £15,000 for energy efficiency measures (solar panels, insulation, windows) and up to £15,000 for low-carbon heating (heat pumps). The exact amount depends on your property's needs and the measures recommended in your free home survey.

You are likely eligible if: your property has an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G; your household income is below £36,000 per year (or up to £60,000 in rural areas); and you are an owner-occupier or private tenant with landlord consent. Households receiving means-tested benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit) are automatically income-eligible without needing to prove income.

Yes. Solar panels are a covered measure under the Warm Homes Local Grant. They fall under the energy efficiency allocation (up to £15,000). For eligible households, the grant can cover the full cost of a 3-5kW solar system. Higher-income households within the threshold may receive partial funding with a top-up required.

Battery storage can be included alongside solar panels under the energy efficiency measure allocation. However, battery-only grants are less common — batteries are typically approved as part of a combined solar installation. The total energy efficiency allocation is £15,000, which covers both solar panels and battery storage if both are recommended.

All major Hampshire authorities are participating, including Fareham, Eastleigh, Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth, Gosport, Havant, Test Valley, New Forest, Basingstoke & Deane, and Hart District. Each council manages its own application process. Contact us and we can direct you to the right application route for your postcode.

Step 1: Check your EPC rating at gov.uk/find-energy-certificate. Step 2: Contact your local council's housing energy team (or contact Solent Solar and we'll guide you). Step 3: Complete the referral form. Step 4: A free home survey is arranged. Step 5: Eligible measures are approved and installation is scheduled. The entire process from application to installation typically takes 6-12 weeks.

The current phase of the Warm Homes Local Grant runs until March 2028. However, individual council allocations can be exhausted before this date on a first-come, first-served basis. Some Hampshire councils exhausted their Home Upgrade Grant (predecessor scheme) allocations within 8 months of launch. Applying early is strongly recommended.

Yes. The 0% VAT rate on domestic solar installations is separate from the grant and applies automatically. If the grant covers your full installation cost, there is no VAT to pay anyway. If the grant is partial, the 0% VAT applies to your remaining contribution. The Smart Export Guarantee payments are also separate ongoing income that applies once your system is installed.