ECO4 Deadline December 2026
ECO4 Deadline December 2026: Last Chance for Free Solar Panels
ECO4 closes 31 December 2026 — energy suppliers are filling their quotas fast. If you’re on benefits or have a low income, this could be your final shot at completely free solar panels. Here’s what you need to know and exactly how to apply before funding runs out.
ECO4 has been extended to 31 December 2026, but most funding is now being allocated as the programme approaches completion. Energy suppliers have specific quotas — once they hit their targets, they stop taking applications even if it’s before the deadline. If you think you qualify, apply now rather than waiting.
Why December 2026 Is Your Last Chance
Let me be straight with you. The government confirmed in January 2026 that ECO4 would be extended by nine months, ending on 31 December 2026. This wasn’t good news — it was a signal that the scheme is finishing, not continuing.
Here’s what most people don’t realise: there’s no ECO5. The scheme that replaces ECO4 is the Warm Homes Plan, but that doesn’t start until 2027 at the earliest. This creates a real risk of a funding gap — several months where neither scheme is available.
The Gap Risk
ECO4 ends 31 December 2026. The Warm Homes Plan’s capital delivery route is planned “from 2027/28 onwards” according to government technical documents. That gap could mean no free solar funding for months. If you qualify now, applying before December is the smart move.
The extension was announced to give energy suppliers additional time to meet existing targets and remediate non-compliant installations. In plain English: they’re behind schedule, but they’re catching up fast. Once they hit their numbers, applications close — regardless of the calendar date.
There’s a second, quieter deadline hiding behind the headline one. A solar installation under ECO4 — survey, approval, then a scheduled installer slot — typically takes 10 to 18 weeks from first enquiry to a completed, signed-off system. Work backwards from 31 December and the realistic cut-off for starting a fresh application is several months earlier than the closing date itself. If you’re reading this anywhere near autumn 2026, treat that as your true deadline — not the one on the calendar.
What ECO4 Actually Covers for Solar Panels
ECO4 can fund 100% of your solar panel installation — panels, survey, labour, and MCS certification all included at no cost to you. But solar isn’t automatically approved for everyone.
| Measure | Covered? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels (3–4kW) | ✓ Yes | Funded for homes with electric heating or off-gas properties |
| Battery Storage | ✗ Rarely | More likely under Warm Homes Plan from 2027 |
| Loft/Cavity Wall Insulation | ✓ Yes | Most commonly approved measure |
| Air Source Heat Pump | ✓ Yes | For properties off the gas network |
| Boiler Upgrades | ✓ Yes | When replacing broken or non-condensing systems |
Solar panels are more likely to be approved if your home uses electric heating or is off the gas grid. Insulation usually comes first in the approval hierarchy — but when solar is funded, it’s fully covered.
A typical 4kW system has a market value of £5,000–£8,000 — all of which ECO4 covers for eligible households. You can check current installation costs on our solar panels cost guide to see what you’re saving.
ECO4 Eligibility: Do You Qualify?
There are two routes to qualify for ECO4. You need to meet at least one household condition AND the property condition.
Route 1: Benefits-Based (Help to Heat)
You or someone in your household receives one of these benefits and your home has an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G:
| Qualifying Benefit | Income Threshold / Notes |
|---|---|
| Universal Credit | Income under £2,000/month after housing costs |
| Pension Credit | Guarantee or Savings Credit — automatic eligibility |
| Income Support | No additional threshold |
| Income-based JSA | Income-based only — not contribution-based |
| Income-related ESA | Income-related only |
| Child Tax Credit | Household income under £16,480/year |
| Working Tax Credit | No additional threshold |
| Child Benefit | From £31,000 for single adult with one child |
| Housing Benefit | No additional threshold |
Route 2: LA Flex (Local Authority Flex)
Don’t receive qualifying benefits? You may still qualify through LA Flex if:
- Your household income is under £31,000 per year, or
- You (or someone you live with) has a health condition that makes you vulnerable to cold
Your local council refers you to a supplier under this route. Availability varies by area — check our full ECO4 eligibility guide for details.
Property Requirements
You need an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G to qualify. Homes rated A, B, or C are considered already energy efficient and don’t qualify. Check yours free at find-energy-certificate.service.gov.uk.
Owner-occupiers need EPC D–G. Private tenants typically need EPC E–G and must have landlord written permission. ECO4 covers England, Scotland, and Wales — but not Northern Ireland.
How to Apply for ECO4 Before the Deadline
The application process is straightforward — but you need to move fast. Here’s the step-by-step:
Confirm you receive a qualifying benefit or meet LA Flex income criteria. Check your EPC rating online. If both look good, move to step 2 immediately.
Get in touch with your energy supplier (British Gas, Octopus, EDF, OVO, etc.) or a TrustMark-registered ECO4 installer. Many offer free eligibility checks online.
A qualified surveyor visits to check EPC details, roof condition, shading, and wiring suitability. This survey is free and doesn’t commit you to anything.
The installer submits your application to the energy supplier. Approval typically takes 2–4 weeks. The retrofit coordinator handles all paperwork — you don’t need to do anything.
Certified installers fit your solar panels — usually in a single day for a standard 4kW system. You receive full warranty documentation and SEG guidance.
Only use TrustMark-registered and MCS-certified installers. If anyone asks you to pay upfront, signs over your SEG payments, or pressures you into quick decisions — walk away. Rogue operators have exploited ECO4 applicants. Genuine ECO4 and Warm Homes support is arranged through your energy supplier, your local council, or a verified installer you contact yourself — nobody will cold-call or knock on your door offering it unprompted. If they do, it’s a scam, not an opportunity. Learn how to spot solar panel scams.
The whole process from initial contact to installation can take as little as a few weeks in some cases. But with the December 2026 deadline approaching and quotas filling fast, don’t delay.
ECO4 Timeline: What Happens After December 2026?
There’s been confusion about what replaces ECO4. Let me clear it up.
| Feature | ECO4 (Now) | Warm Homes Plan (2027+) |
|---|---|---|
| Funding Source | Energy supplier levy | Central government |
| Solar Panels | ✓ Covered (conditions apply) | ✓ Expected to be covered |
| Battery Storage | Rarely funded | ✓ Expected to be included |
| Max Grant Value | ~£10,000 typical | Up to £15,000 per property |
| Total Budget | ~£4 billion (since 2022) | ~£15 billion (through 2030) |
| Status | Open NOW — closes Dec 2026 | Not yet open — expected Jan 2027 |
The Warm Homes Plan has nearly £15 billion committed through 2030 and is described as the biggest energy efficiency programme in British history. But here’s the catch: eligibility rules and contractor capacity won’t be confirmed until late 2026 at the earliest.
Meanwhile, the Warm Homes: Local Grant is already live in some areas, offering up to £30,000 for low-income households (income under £36,000, EPC D–G). See our Warm Homes Grant guide for full details.
What You Could Save with ECO4 Solar Panels
Free installation is brilliant — but the ongoing savings matter just as much. Here’s what a typical 4kWp solar system delivers in 2026:
Combined bill savings and SEG income typically total roughly £915–£1,165 per year at the current Ofgem price cap (26.11p/kWh, July–September 2026). With panels lasting 25+ years, that’s over £20,000 in lifetime savings — and you paid nothing upfront.
Curious what you could earn from exporting surplus power? Use our SEG Income Estimator to run the numbers for your roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
ECO4 closes permanently on 31 December 2026. The scheme was extended by nine months from the original March 2026 deadline. However, energy suppliers are filling their quotas fast and most funding is now being allocated. If you think you qualify, apply now rather than waiting — suppliers may stop taking applications before December if they hit their targets early.
You qualify if anyone in your household receives Universal Credit, Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings), Income Support, income-related ESA or JSA, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Benefit (with income thresholds), or Housing Benefit. You also need an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. If you don’t receive benefits, you may still qualify through LA Flex if your household income is under £31,000 per year.
There is no ECO5. ECO4 is replaced by the Warm Homes Plan, expected to begin in 2027 with £15 billion in funding through 2030. However, there could be a gap of several months between ECO4 closing (31 December 2026) and the Warm Homes Plan becoming available. If you qualify for ECO4 now, applying before the deadline is strongly recommended rather than waiting for an unconfirmed future scheme.
Bottom Line: What Should You Do Now?
Your 3-Step Action Plan
1. Check your EPC at find-energy-certificate.service.gov.uk
2. Confirm a qualifying benefit or LA Flex eligibility (income under £31k)
3. Contact a TrustMark installer or your energy supplier this week
ECO4 closes 31 December 2026 — full stop. There’s no extension beyond that date confirmed, and no ECO5 planned. The Warm Homes Plan won’t start until 2027 at the earliest, creating a potential funding gap.
If you qualify now, apply immediately. Don’t wait until autumn. Don’t assume funding will still be available in November. Energy suppliers are working through their quotas, and once they’re done, they’re done — regardless of the calendar.
For official ECO4 guidance, visit Ofgem’s ECO page. For help finding a reputable installer, use our Find an Installer tool to compare MCS-certified professionals in your area.
