Solar Panel Funding Ltd

Solar Panel Funding Ltd: solar panel funding for homeowners in the UK

Solar Panel Funding Ltd is a British company that presents itself as the only private organisation in the UK with a solar panel grant scheme. Its activity focuses on helping homeowners check whether their postcode allows them to access grants, funding or discounts for the installation of solar panels. The company operates in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and serves exclusively homeowners in the UK.

Eligibility check and access criteria

The website offers an eligibility checker tool that, according to the company, takes about 60 seconds. The form asks for the applicant's age (ranges 20-69, 70-74, 75-80 and 80+), annual household income (below 10,000, 10,000 to 12,000, 12,000 to 15,000, 15,000 to 30,000 and over 30,000), whether they are a homeowner, employment status (employed, self-employed, retired or unemployed) and postcode. The company states that data is treated securely and is not shared with third parties without prior consent. After submission, Solar Panel Funding contacts the applicant to explain the available options.

The two basic criteria mentioned are being a homeowner in the UK and having suitable roof space to install solar panels. The company also takes into account the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of each home to guide on funding options.

Funding and grant options

Solar Panel Funding Ltd structures its offer into three main routes:

• Option 1: fully funded solar panels. Aimed at homeowners who meet the eligibility criteria, it consists of the free installation of photovoltaic panels. The company states that this scheme is unique in the UK and that it is not available through other energy providers or installers. The income or savings generated by the system belong to the homeowner, not to Solar Panel Funding, and the company clarifies that it is not a roof rental agreement or a power purchase agreement.
• Option 2: solar panel funding. For those who do not meet the criteria for the full grant but wish to install solar energy, the company offers funding options through its network of installers. These allow the cost to be spread and to take advantage of the income generated by the system through Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs and energy savings. Solar Panel Funding Ltd is not a lender and does not make credit decisions; it is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and refers applicants to registered installers who, in turn, manage loan applications with lenders on their panel.
• Option 3: direct purchase of solar panels. For those who prefer to buy the panels outright, the company works with a selection of local and national installers covering most of the UK. The company states that it periodically evaluates these installers based on customer satisfaction.

The website indicates that use of the tool is free and that the company may receive a commission from the installation for referrals, without this affecting the cost to the applicant. Part of that income is used, according to the company, to fund solar panels for clients who meet the grant criteria.

Battery storage and energy savings

The company also offers battery storage for solar panels in the UK. According to its website, this option allows the energy generated during the day to be stored for use at night or on cloudy days, reducing dependence on the grid. The company notes that available units are limited and that storage can be complemented with solar panel grants. In its presentation, it mentions that homeowners can save and earn up to £38,000 with battery storage and solar incentives, although the figures depend on the size of the system and the complexity of the installation.

Business model and positioning

Solar Panel Funding Ltd defines itself as an independent organisation, not affiliated with any government grant programme. Its model is based on allocating a notable share of its profits to providing free photovoltaic panels to UK homeowners who meet the criteria. The company states that this approach reduces the initial financial barrier and facilitates access to renewable energy for a broader spectrum of households. It also indicates that the sale of qualified appointments to its network of trusted installers generates income for the scheme.

The company presents itself as number one in solar energy on Trustpilot, a rating it attributes to its own promotion. On its website it mentions that more than 1.4 million households in the UK already have solar panel installations and that its incentive programme helps hundreds of thousands of homes fund their systems. It also refers to a 2015 government report according to which 4.5 million households were in fuel poverty, equivalent to around 17% of British households, and links its work to tackling that problem.

Coverage and how the service works

Solar Panel Funding Ltd serves homeowners in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The company does not install directly, but connects applicants with installers in its network. The process begins with checking the postcode and completing the eligibility form; from there, the company explains the available grant or funding options and, if the applicant wishes, they can be referred to an installer or a lender. The company stresses that it does not charge any additional fee for using its intermediary service.