If you’ve been browsing online for solar energy solutions, you’ve probably come across adverts shouting about “free solar panels”. It’s a tempting phrase after all, who wouldn’t want to cut their electricity bills without paying a penny upfront?
But is it really possible to get solar panels for free in the UK? The short answer is no at least, not in the way many people think. While there were schemes in the past that provided “free” solar panels under certain conditions, those days are gone.
That doesn’t mean solar isn’t worth considering. In fact, thanks to government incentives, energy bill savings, and the increasing affordability of solar technology, panels are now one of the smartest long-term investments a UK homeowner can make.
Let’s dig deeper into the history of free solar, the truth about modern schemes, the support that’s still available, and why solar energy with Save Energy UK is more accessible than ever before.
In the early 2010s, solar companies capitalised on the government’s Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme, which paid households for the electricity their panels generated. Some firms came up with a model called the rent-a-roof scheme.
Here’s how it worked:
The company paid for and installed solar panels on your roof.
You got cheaper electricity bills because you could use the solar power they produced.
The company, not you, claimed the government’s FIT payments, which provided them with income for up to 20 years.
On the surface, it seemed like a win-win: free panels for you, guaranteed income for the installer. But there were downsides. You didn’t own the panels, you couldn’t claim government incentives yourself, and some people found selling their homes trickier with panels owned by a third party.
The government closed the Feed-in Tariff to new applicants in 2019. Without FIT payments, it no longer made financial sense for companies to install panels for free. Today, while some firms advertise “free solar,” it’s usually a marketing hook for finance deals or grants, not a no-cost installation.
If you see ads promising free panels now, it’s best to read the fine print. Many offers that sound free are actually:
Leasing or financing deals: You don’t pay upfront, but you commit to a long-term payment plan.
Partnership schemes: Panels may be discounted, but you won’t fully own them.
Too good to be true claims: Some companies mislead consumers with vague wording to grab attention.
The reality is that in 2025, nobody is giving away solar panels in the UK. However, there are ways to make solar more affordable — and in many cases, it works out better than the so-called “free” schemes of the past, because you actually own your system.
While they’re not free, there are government incentives and industry schemes that reduce costs:
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme provides energy efficiency improvements for low-income households. Depending on eligibility, this can include free or heavily subsidised solar panels. If you qualify, this is the closest option to “free solar” in 2025.
Since April 2022, the government has scrapped VAT on solar panel installations. This means homeowners benefit from a 0% VAT rate until at least 2027, saving hundreds or even thousands of pounds compared to past prices.
Under the SEG, energy suppliers pay you for any surplus electricity you export back to the grid. While the payments aren’t huge, they add up and help reduce the payback period of your installation.
Several banks and energy companies now offer loans specifically for eco-friendly upgrades. Instead of paying upfront, you can spread the cost over time, often at low-interest rates.
Together, these measures don’t make solar panels free, but they do make them far more affordable than they used to be.
On average, solar panels cost between £5,000 – £8,000 for a domestic system, depending on roof size, energy usage, and chosen technology. Add a solar battery, and costs can rise, but so can savings.
| System Size | Approx. Cost | Avg. Annual Savings | Payback Period | Lifetime Savings (25 yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3kW | £5,000 | £400 – £500 | 10–12 years | £10,000+ |
| 4kW | £6,500 | £500 – £650 | 9–11 years | £15,000+ |
| 6kW | £8,000 | £700 – £900 | 8–10 years | £20,000+ |
Thanks to rising energy bills, payback times are now shorter than ever. Once your system is paid off, your electricity is effectively free for decades.
Even though you have to pay for them, solar panels remain one of the best investments homeowners can make.
Energy savings: Cut electricity bills by up to 70%.
Protection from rising prices: With energy costs continuing to climb, generating your own power is a safety net.
Increase in property value: Buyers are attracted to energy-efficient homes.
Sustainability: A typical 4kW system can reduce your household’s carbon footprint by over a tonne per year.
Unlike outdated “free solar” offers, owning your system means all the benefits — and the savings — belong to you.
Instead of chasing old schemes, look at modern solar solutions:
Solar with storage: Pair panels with a battery (like a Qcell or Tesla Powerwall) to store energy for evening use.
Commercial solar: Businesses can slash operating costs and demonstrate eco credentials with large-scale installations.
High-performance panels: Modern solar panels generate more power in less space, making them ideal for smaller roofs.
At Save Energy UK, we provide tailored systems, whether you want a compact solution for your home in Bournemouth or a large commercial installation in Poole.
Can I still get free solar panels in 2025?
Not in the traditional sense. While some grants cover costs for eligible households, most homeowners will need to invest.
What government grants are available?
The ECO4 scheme, 0% VAT, and the Smart Export Guarantee are the main supports available in 2025.
How long until solar panels pay for themselves?
Most households recover their costs in 8–12 years, after which the savings are yours to keep.
Do solar panels still work in cloudy UK weather?
Yes, while they perform best in direct sunlight, panels generate electricity from daylight, so they work year-round.
When it comes to solar, expertise matters. At Save Energy UK, we:
Provide bespoke solar solutions tailored to your property and budget.
Install high-quality systems, including Tesla solar panels and Qcell batteries.
Cover Dorset and the South Coast, including Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch.
Offer advice on grants, financing, and export tariffs to help you maximise savings.
So, are solar panels free in the UK? Not anymore. But with grants, VAT relief, SEG payments, and ever-rising energy costs, solar is more valuable and affordable than ever before. Instead of chasing “free solar” offers, the smarter option is to invest in a system you own and enjoy the savings for decades to come.
Ready to find out how much you could save? Contact Save Energy UK today for expert advice, a free site survey, and a tailored solar solution.
