Call: 03316 302 225
This guide summarises the key funding schemes, grants, and financial incentives currently available for solar PV installations across Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire. Funding availability changes regularly – contact ProStar Energy to confirm current eligibility and application status before proceeding.
The primary domestic grant scheme for 2025–2028. Provides up to £15,000 for solar PV installation, plus up to a further £15,000 for low-carbon heating (e.g. heat pump), totalling up to £30,000 per eligible household.
All three counties have received Warm Homes Local Grant allocations. Administered by local authorities, who will contact eligible households directly.
Availability: Live until 2028
Covers solar panels and sometimes battery storage for low-income households in energy-inefficient properties. Energy suppliers are obligated to fund upgrades under this scheme.
Local Authority Flex (LA Flex) allows councils to approve ECO4 funding for households not on qualifying benefits, broadening eligibility.
Availability: Ends December 2026 – act now
The UK Government has applied a zero rate of VAT to the supply and installation of solar panels for residential properties. This represents a saving of 20% on installation costs.
Applies in England, Scotland, and Wales. Not a grant, but a meaningful cost reduction available to all residential customers.
Availability: Until at least 31 March 2027
Once solar panels are installed, you are entitled to receive payment for surplus electricity exported back to the National Grid. Licensed energy suppliers with 150,000+ customers are required by law to offer an export tariff.
Current export rates range from approximately 4p to 15.1p per kWh, depending on the supplier and tariff chosen.
Availability: Ongoing – no end date
Businesses can write off 100% of the cost of a solar PV installation against taxable profits in the first year of purchase, with no upper limit. This effectively means HMRC contributes up to 25% of costs (at corporation tax rates) via immediate tax relief.
No application process required – claimed through your annual tax return.
Availability: Ongoing – no current end date
Direct grants of up to £30 million for large-scale industrial decarbonisation projects, including solar PV. Administered by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
Targeted at energy-intensive industries seeking to significantly reduce their carbon emissions and energy costs. Suitable for large commercial or industrial sites.
Availability: Check DESNZ for current rounds
Covers up to 50% of project costs for low-carbon capital projects including solar PV for businesses in Dorset. Eligible project costs range from £11,000 to £75,000.
Funding is administered by Dorset Council. Check directly with Dorset Council for current availability as funds are subject to periodic replenishment.
Availability: Check Dorset Council for availability
Dorset Council’s group-buying scheme for residential solar panels, battery storage, and EV chargers. By pooling purchases, residents access pre-vetted installers at reduced prices secured through collective negotiation.
The 2025/26 registration phase has now closed. Register your interest to be alerted when the next phase opens.
Availability: Register for next phase now
In 2025, Hampshire was included in a consortium that received over £26 million in Warm Homes Local Grant funding, covering every local authority in the county. This is one of the most generous allocations in the south of England.
Eligible households can receive up to £30,000 in total (£15,000 for solar/energy upgrades + £15,000 for low-carbon heating). Contact your district council to check eligibility and be referred into the programme.
Availability: Live – contact your district council
Funded by the Severn Wye Energy Agency on behalf of Wiltshire Council. Covers 30–60% of capital costs for solar PV and other low-carbon equipment. Available across Wiltshire’s main towns including Salisbury, Trowbridge, Chippenham, Devizes, and others.
The headline application deadline was 31 March 2026, however some residual funding may remain for projects in progress with completions possible to September 2026. Contact Wiltshire Council urgently to check.
Availability: Deadline passed – check for residual funds
Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council jointly run a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage (with optional EV charge points) in partnership with iChoosr Ltd.
Residents collectively register interest, and a pre-vetted installer is selected through a competitive tender process, delivering reduced per-unit costs.
Availability: Check Wiltshire Council for current phase
| Scheme | Type | Max Value | Key Criteria | Area | Status |
| Warm Homes: Local Grant | Residential | Up to £30,000 | D–G EPC / <£36k income | All three counties | Live to 2028 |
| ECO4 | Residential | Up to 100% of install | <£31k / benefits | All three counties | Ends Dec 2026 |
| 0% VAT on Solar PV | Residential | 20% cost saving | None | All three counties | Until Mar 2027+ |
| Smart Export Guarantee | All | 4–15p/kWh exported | MCS cert + smart meter | All three counties | Ongoing |
| Annual Investment Allowance | Business | 100% tax relief | UK business, owned asset | All three counties | Ongoing |
| IETF | Industrial | Up to £30m grant | Energy-intensive sector | All three counties | Check DESNZ |
| Low Carbon Dorset Fund | Business | Up to 50% costs | Dorset business | Dorset only | Check availability |
| Switch Together Solar | Residential | Reduced group rate | Homeowner | Dorset / Wiltshire | Register now |
| Warm Homes – Hampshire | Residential | Up to £30,000 | D–G EPC / <£36k income | Hampshire | Live – apply via council |
| Wiltshire Business Solar Grant | Business | 30–60% costs | Wiltshire business | Wiltshire | Residual funds only |
Funding availability, eligibility criteria, and amounts are subject to change. This page was prepared in June 2026 and reflects the best available information at that date. ProStar Energy accepts no liability for changes to schemes after publication. Always verify current availability before making financial decisions.
Ready to take the next step? Book a free property survey online or give us a call on 0331 6302225 today. Our team is here to support and guide you throughout the entire process, so let’s get started!
*The payback period will depend on the size of the system and the energy requirements of your facility.
Main Office:
Unit 7-8 Millstream Trading Estate
Christchurch Road
Ringwood
Hampshire
BH24 3SD
Registered Address:
4 Namu Road
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH9 2QU
Telephone: 03316 302 225
