Making the World a Better Place For All of Us
Why Renewables?
Grants, tax breaks and export payments that make heat pumps, solar panels and batteries more affordable – and the benefits of switching.
Government Incentives
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a UK government grant that helps homeowners and property developers in England and Wales switch from fossil fuel heating to a heat pump. It currently provides £7,500 towards an air source or ground source heat pump, plus an extra £1,500 until March 2027 for properties heated by oil or LPG without a mains gas connection. Your MCS-certified installer applies for the grant on your behalf and it is taken off the price you pay, shown on your quote and invoice.
Source: GOV.UK – Boiler Upgrade SchemeZero VAT on Renewables
From 1 May 2023 to 31 March 2027, VAT is 0% on the supply and installation of qualifying energy-saving materials in homes. This includes solar panels, air source and ground source heat pumps, insulation and – since 1 February 2024 – battery storage, including batteries added to an existing system. Removing the standard 20% VAT significantly reduces upfront costs and improves your return on investment. From 1 April 2027 the reduced rate of 5% is due to apply.
Source: GOV.UK – VAT Notice 708/6Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
The Smart Export Guarantee requires larger electricity suppliers to pay small-scale generators for the surplus renewable electricity they export to the grid. If your solar panels produce more electricity than your property uses, you can be paid for what you export. Tariff rates vary between suppliers, but the scheme adds a financial return on your investment and shortens the payback period of a solar installation.
Source: Ofgem – Smart Export GuaranteeThe benefits of renewables
Hassle-free heating with very low maintenance
No building is too big or too small for a heat pump
A ground source heat pump can last 20 years or more – far longer than a typical boiler
No combustion on site – clean heat with no gas or oil burnt in your home
Air source heat pumps give three to four units of heat for every unit of electricity
Around 70% of the energy from a ground source heat pump comes from the ground
Lower carbon emissions than gas, oil or LPG heating
Government grants and 0% VAT reduce the upfront cost
Air source heat pumps keep working in outside temperatures well below freezing
Solar PV cuts the electricity you buy and earns money on what you export
Battery storage lets you use your solar power – or cheap off-peak electricity – in the evening
An energy-efficient home can improve its EPC rating and appeal to buyers
Grants & savings FAQs
How much is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant?
£7,500 towards an air source or ground source heat pump in England and Wales, plus an extra £1,500 until March 2027 for homes heated by oil or LPG without mains gas. Your MCS-certified installer applies for it and it is taken off your bill.
Is there VAT on solar panels, heat pumps and batteries?
No – installations of solar panels, heat pumps and batteries in homes are zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027. The reduced rate of 5% is due to apply from 1 April 2027.
Will a heat pump be cheaper to run than my boiler?
It depends on what you're replacing and your electricity tariff. A heat pump produces three to four units of heat for every unit of electricity, so it is usually cheaper to run than LPG or electric heating. Against a newer gas or oil boiler savings aren't guaranteed – a heat pump tariff or solar panels make a big difference. We'll talk you through the numbers for your home.
Ready to see what you could claim? Book a free survey or read about heat pumps and solar panels.
Trusted Suppliers
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Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote. Our team will assess your property and recommend the best solution.
Get in ContactSolwat Green Energy
Lea Green Farm, Christchurch Road, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 0LA
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