Can Landlords Apply for Funded Solar Panels?
Yes. Private landlords in England can potentially apply for funded solar panels, but funding is not automatically available simply because you own a rental property.
The main scheme to look at in 2026 is the Warm Homes: Local Grant (WHLG). The scheme covers privately rented homes as well as owner-occupied properties, and solar PV is one of the measures that can potentially be funded.
However, eligibility depends on factors including the property’s EPC rating, household circumstances, location and local authority funding. Landlords also have different contribution rules from homeowners, particularly if they want improvements carried out across multiple rental properties.
This guide explains how landlord solar funding works, who can qualify, how much support may be available, what landlords need to provide and what to check before applying.
Quick Answer:
Can landlords get funded solar panels? Yes, potentially. In England, the Warm Homes: Local Grant can support eligible privately rented homes with improvements including solar panels. Generally, the property must have an EPC rating of D to G, and the household must meet the scheme’s income, benefits or postcode eligibility requirements. Local authorities decide how eligible homes are assessed and which measures are appropriate.
Landlords can apply for multiple eligible properties, but funding rules normally mean the first property can receive full funding while subsequent properties require a landlord contribution, subject to the applicable local authority rules and scheme cost caps.
Can Landlords Apply for Funded Solar Panels?
Yes, private landlords are included within the Warm Homes: Local Grant programme.
The important distinction is that the grant is designed to improve the energy efficiency of qualifying homes and help households experiencing higher energy costs. It is not simply a general-purpose solar grant for landlords.
The property and household therefore need to satisfy the scheme’s eligibility requirements.
The government confirms that WHLG applies to privately owned and privately rented homes with EPC ratings from D to G, with measures potentially including insulation, solar panels and heat pumps.
This means a landlord with an eligible rental property could potentially have solar PV installed with grant support.
Which Grant Can Landlords Use?
The key scheme in England is the Warm Homes: Local Grant.
It has a £500 million government allocation for delivery between 2025 and 2028 through eligible local authorities.
Solar PV is one of the measures that local authorities can potentially fund, alongside measures such as:
- Loft insulation
- Wall insulation
- Underfloor insulation
- Heating improvements
- Air source heat pumps
- Smart controls
- Solar photovoltaic panels
The actual package of improvements is determined following assessment of the property rather than being chosen solely by the landlord
Who Qualifies for Landlord Solar Funding?
There are several important criteria.
1. The property must be in England
The Warm Homes: Local Grant applies to England. Different funding arrangements apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
2. The property generally needs an EPC of D to G
The scheme is aimed at homes with lower energy efficiency.
If your rental property already has an EPC rating of A, B or C, it will generally not meet this core WHLG requirement.
3. The household needs to meet the eligibility criteria
Eligibility can be based on factors such as:
- Household income
- Certain benefits
- Living in an eligible postcode area
The standard household income threshold is generally £36,000 or less, although alternative eligibility routes can apply.
This is particularly important for landlords because owning an eligible property does not automatically mean the property qualifies for funding.
How Much Funding Can Landlords Receive?
The amount available depends on the scheme rules, the local authority and the improvements identified.
Government guidance allows for funding of eligible improvements, but landlord contribution rules apply. In practice, landlords can receive full funding for one eligible rental property, while additional properties can require a contribution of at least 50% of eligible upgrade costs, subject to the relevant cost caps.
For example, local authorities delivering the scheme have published rules stating that landlords can apply for multiple properties but may receive full funding for the first property and need to contribute 50% towards subsequent properties.
| Landlord situation | Potential funding position |
|---|---|
| One eligible rental property | Potentially fully funded, subject to eligibility and approval |
| Multiple eligible properties | Additional properties may require a 50% landlord contribution |
| EPC A–C property | Generally outside the core WHLG eligibility |
| Property failing household/location criteria | Funding may not be available |
Important: funding is not guaranteed. The property must be assessed and the local authority must approve the proposed measures.
Does the Tenant Need to Qualify?
This is one of the most important points for landlords.
The scheme is aimed at eligible households rather than simply rewarding property ownership. Therefore, the tenant’s household circumstances can form part of the eligibility assessment.
A landlord should not assume that every property in their portfolio will qualify simply because its EPC is D, E, F or G.
The local authority will assess the relevant eligibility requirements and determine what improvements are appropriate.
Is Solar Suitable for Every Rental Property?
No.
Even if a property qualifies for funding, solar PV may not necessarily be the most appropriate measure.
A survey should consider:
- Roof orientation
- Roof pitch
- Available roof area
- Shading
- Existing electrical system
- Roof condition
- Current electricity consumption
- Potential solar generation
- EPC improvement potential
- Whether other energy-efficiency measures should be completed first
A south-facing roof is not essential, but orientation and shading can significantly affect generation.
For landlords, the condition of the roof is particularly important. Installing solar onto a roof that needs major work can create unnecessary complications later.
What Should Landlords Check Before Applying?
Before starting an application, gather:
- Current EPC
- Property address
- Tenancy information
- Property ownership details
- Number of rental properties
- Current electricity arrangements
- Roof information
- Previous energy-efficiency improvements
- Any existing solar or battery system
It is also worth checking whether your local authority is actively delivering WHLG and whether it currently has funding available.
The government publishes a list of local authorities allocated funding under the scheme, which was updated in July 2026.
How Landlords Can Apply
The simplest starting point is the official government eligibility service:
Check the Warm Homes: Local Grant on GOV.UK
You can also check your local authority’s own WHLG information because availability and application processes vary between councils.
If you are a landlord with several properties, check the rules before submitting applications for multiple homes, particularly because landlord contributions can apply to additional properties.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Clear answers about solar panels for landlords, Warm Homes: Local Grant eligibility, EPC requirements, funding, tenant eligibility, multiple properties and installing solar on private rented homes. Speak to Simple Green Energy .
Looking for funded solar for a rental property?
Speak with Simple Green Energy about landlord solar funding, property eligibility, EPC requirements, solar installation and whether your rental property may qualify for available support.
Check my propertyFinal Thoughts
Landlords can apply for funded solar panels, but the property, household and local authority programme all matter.
For landlords in England, the Warm Homes: Local Grant is particularly important because solar PV is an eligible measure and privately rented properties are included.
The biggest mistake is assuming that an EPC D-G property automatically qualifies for free solar. Eligibility, funding availability and the suitability of the proposed improvements all need to be established.
For landlords with multiple properties, the contribution rules are also important: the first eligible property can potentially receive full funding, while additional properties may require a 50% contribution.
If you own a rental property and want to know whether solar could be suitable, start by checking the property’s EPC and WHLG eligibility, then have the property assessed before committing to installation.
