Key takeaway
Homeowners in North Wales and Cheshire can save £7,500–£9,000 on heat pumps through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, while solar panels can be fully funded through Nest or Warm Homes schemes depending on your location and circumstances.
Are you considering a heat pump or solar panels for your home in North Wales or Cheshire? The good news is you probably don’t need to pay the full cost upfront.
A combination of UK-wide and nation-specific grants can cover thousands of pounds towards your installation. In some cases, eligible homeowners can get solar panels or heat pumps completely free.
This comprehensive guide explains every grant available in 2026, who qualifies, and how to access the right funding for your property
Which Grants Apply to Your Area?
The grants you can access depend on whether your home is in Wales or England. Here’s a quick overview before we dive into the details.
Wales
North Wales
Homeowners in North Wales can access:
Boiler Upgrade Scheme for heat pumps
Warm Homes Nest scheme for free improvements
Green Homes Wales interest-free loans
England
Cheshire
Homeowners in Cheshire can access:
Boiler Upgrade Scheme for heat pumps
Warm Homes Local Grant
Both areas benefit from the main heat pump grant, but solar funding differs significantly between England and Wales.
Heat Pump Grants
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme Explained
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is the UK government’s flagship grant for heat pumps. It provides an upfront discount that reduces what you pay at installation.
How Much Money Can You Get?
The grant amount depends on your current heating system:
| Ground Source or Air Source Heat Pumps | Grant |
|---|---|
| Properties on mains gas or standard electric heating | £7,500 (Standard) |
| If your existing heating system is off the mains gas grid and heated by heating oil or LPG. (21 July 2025 to 31 March 2027) | £9,000 (Enhanced) |
The £9,000 enhanced grant applies if your home is off the gas grid and currently heated by oil or LPG. The scheme runs until 31 March 2027.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme Eligibility
You can claim this grant if your property meets these requirements:
Location: England or Wales (both North Wales and Cheshire qualify)
Current heating: You must be replacing fossil fuel heating (gas, oil, LPG, coal) or direct electric heating (storage heaters, panel heaters)
Documentation: You need a valid Energy Performance Certificate
System size: Most residential systems qualify as they fall under the 45kW limit
Property type: Existing homes qualify. Standard new-builds do not, though self-builds may qualify in certain circumstances.
Properties that have already received government funding for the same heat pump installation cannot claim again. Social housing is also excluded from this scheme. Full details are on the GOV.UK Boiler Upgrade Scheme page ↗.
How the Application Process Works
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is installer-led, which means you don’t need to fill in complex government forms yourself.
JM Renewables surveys your home and designs an appropriate heat pump system.
We provide a quote showing the BUS grant already deducted as a discount.
We submit your BUS application to Ofgem on your behalf.
Ofgem contacts you directly to confirm you consent to the application. This is not a contract, just confirmation you’ve agreed to us applying.
Once approved, we install your system and you pay only the reduced amount.
Your installer handles the entire paperwork process. You simply confirm consent when Ofgem contacts you. See our heat pump installation page to learn more about the systems we fit.
Solar Panel Grants and Funding Options
Unlike heat pumps, there’s no single universal solar panel grant. However, several schemes can significantly reduce costs or eliminate them entirely for eligible homeowners.
Warm Homes Local Grant (Cheshire Only)
This government grant is delivered through local councils to improve energy efficiency in lower-income homes across England.
What it covers: Solar panels, insulation, and low-carbon heating as part of a package
Typical funding: Up to approximately £15,000 per home
Who qualifies:
Homeowners or private tenants in England (Cheshire)
Properties with EPC rating D, E, F, or G
Household income typically £36,000 or less
Some postcodes qualify regardless of income
Certain benefit recipients also qualify
How to apply: Use the GOV.UK eligibility checker or contact your local council directly. If you qualify, the council arranges a survey and funds the work.
Warm Homes Nest Scheme (North Wales Only)
The Welsh Government’s Nest scheme provides free energy efficiency improvements to eligible households in Wales.
What it covers: Solar panels, battery storage, insulation, and heating upgrades
Typical funding: Up to 100% of eligible measures at no cost to you
Who qualifies:
Homeowners or private tenants in Wales
Properties with EPC rating E or below
Properties with EPC D if someone in the household has an eligible health condition (respiratory, circulatory, or mental health)
Household income below 60% of median UK income
Recipients of means-tested benefits
Qualifying benefits include:
Universal Credit
Pension Credit
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Income Support
Housing Benefit
Working Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
How to apply: Call Nest free on 0808 808 2244 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm) or apply through the GOV.WALES website. Nest arranges your survey and, if eligible, fully funds the installation.
Green Homes Wales Interest-Free Loans (North Wales Only)
The Welsh Government offers interest-free loans through the Development Bank of Wales for energy improvements.
What it covers: Solar PV, battery storage, heat pumps, and other energy efficiency measures
Loan amount: £1,000 to £25,000
Interest rate: 0% (completely interest-free)
Repayment period: Up to 10 years
Additional benefit: Six-month repayment holiday included
Who qualifies:
Welsh homeowners (property must be your primary residence)
Property must not be listed
Property must not be a brand-new unoccupied build
You must pass credit and affordability checks
No means test required
How to apply: Register your interest through the Green Homes Wales page on the Development Bank of Wales website. You’ll then complete a whole-home energy assessment.
This option works well for homeowners who don’t qualify for fully funded grants but want to spread costs without paying interest.
Grant Comparison at a Glance
| Scheme | Available In | Value | Eligibility | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme | North Wales and Cheshire | £7,500 standard or £9,000 off-grid | Replacing fossil fuel or electric heating | Through MCS-certified installer |
| Warm Homes Local Grant | Cheshire only | Up to £15,000 | Income under £36,000, EPC D-G | Local council |
| Nest Scheme | North Wales only | Up to 100% free | Low income, benefits, EPC E or below | Call 0808 808 2244 |
| Green Homes Wales | North Wales only | £1,000-£25,000 at 0% interest | Welsh homeowner, credit check | Development Bank of Wales |
| Clean Energy Fund – Umi | North Wales only | £25,000 to around £2 million loan*1 | UMI – Commercial buildings WCVA – Voluntary sector fund *2 | Speak with a JM Renewables advisor or visit Ambition North Wales | Clean Energy Fund |
*1 Loan term: Between 1 – 5 years. Interest rate: 5–14%
*2 Based on risk assessment/finances
Finance from Ideal4Finance
Spread the Cost of Your New Renewable Energy Installation
We understand that saving for a new solar panel system, battery storage solution, air source heat pump or EV charger can take longer than you’d like. That’s why JM Renewables has partnered with Ideal4Finance, a licensed credit broker, to help you spread the cost of your renewable energy installation through flexible finance options.
Apply for finance or get a decision in principle in minutes
View repayment options tailored to your budget
Calculate your potential savings before you commit
Explore Finance OptionsHow to Get Started
If you’re ready to explore renewable energy for your home, follow these steps:
Check your Energy Performance Certificate.
You can find your property’s EPC on the GOV.UK EPC register ↗. Most grants require a D rating or below.
Note your current heating fuel. Whether you use gas, oil, LPG, or electric heating affects which grants you can access and how much funding you might receive.
Check your benefit status. If you receive any means-tested benefits, you may qualify for fully funded installations through Nest.
Contact JM Renewables. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to assess your property and identify which grants you can access. Get in touch.
As an MCS-certified installer covering North Wales and the North West including Cheshire, we handle the entire process. We check eligibility, apply for grants on your behalf, and manage all paperwork from survey to installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a free heat pump in North Wales or Cheshire?
Heat pumps aren’t typically free, but the Boiler Upgrade Scheme reduces costs by £7,500 to £9,000.
What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant for 2026?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £7,500 for air source or ground source heat pumps. From 21 July 2026 – 31st March 2027, homes off the gas grid using oil or LPG can receive £9,000.
Can I get free solar panels in North Wales?
Yes, if you qualify for the Warm Homes Nest scheme. You need to be a homeowner or private tenant in Wales with low household income or receiving means-tested benefits, plus an EPC rating of E or below (D with certain health conditions).
Can I get free solar panels in Cheshire?
Potentially, through the Warm Homes Local Grant. You typically need a household income under £36,000 or be receiving certain benefits. Your property usually needs an EPC rating of D or below.
Do I need to apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme myself?
No. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is installer-led. JM Renewables submits the application to Ofgem on your behalf and deducts the grant from your quote. You simply confirm consent when Ofgem contacts you.
Can I combine heat pump and solar panel grants?
Yes, in some cases. You might use the Boiler Upgrade Scheme for your heat pump and a separate scheme like Nest for solar panels. JM Renewables can advise on the best combination for your circumstances.
What EPC rating do I need for energy grants?
Most grants require an EPC rating of D or below. The Nest scheme typically requires E or below (D with health conditions). The Boiler Upgrade Scheme requires a valid EPC but doesn’t specify a minimum rating.
How long does the Boiler Upgrade Scheme last?
The current scheme runs until 31 March 2027. The enhanced £9,000 grant for off-grid homes is available from 21 July 2025 to 31 March 2027.
Can private tenants get solar panel grants?
Yes. The Nest scheme in Wales include private tenants. You’ll typically need your landlord’s permission for any installation work.
What is Green Homes Wales?
Green Homes Wales offers interest-free loans from £1,000 to £25,000 for energy improvements including solar panels and heat pumps. It’s available to Welsh homeowners who may not qualify for grants but want affordable financing.
How quickly can I get a heat pump installed with BUS funding?
Timescales vary depending on survey requirements and installer availability. Once your BUS application is approved by Ofgem, installation can typically proceed within a few weeks. JM Renewables manages the timeline and keeps you informed throughout.
About JM Renewables
JM Renewables is an MCS-certified installer serving North Wales and the North West, including all areas of Cheshire.
We specialise in:
Our team handles grant applications, scheme eligibility checks, and all paperwork. You get one point of contact from initial enquiry through to completed installation.
Ready to find out which grants you qualify for?
Contact JM Renewables today for a free, no-obligation consultation about your home and available funding options.
