Can Park Home Residents Qualify for Solar Panel Grants Under Current UK Schemes?

If you live in a park home and are wondering whether you can access solar panel grants under the latest UK government schemes, you’re not alone. Many park home residents face uncertainty about eligibility, especially as rules and funding options evolve. This guide breaks down the process, highlights unique considerations for park homes, and gives you actionable steps to check your eligibility with confidence.

• Understand how current grant schemes apply to park home residents and what makes your situation unique.
• Get a step-by-step eligibility checklist tailored for park homes, including lesser-known tips.
• Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and ensure your installer is fully accredited and trustworthy.

Understanding the Core of Solar Panel Grant Eligibility for Park Home Residents

Solar panel grants in the UK—such as ECO4, LA Flex, and the new Warm Homes Plan—are designed to help low-income and vulnerable households access renewable energy and reduce fuel bills. These schemes typically focus on homes with low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings, and many are open to both homeowners and private tenants, including those in non-traditional housing like park homes [1][2][3].

Park homes are often overlooked in mainstream grant advice, but they can be eligible for support if they meet the scheme’s criteria. The key is that your park home must be your main residence, have a low EPC rating (usually D or below), and you must meet the income or benefit requirements set by the scheme [3][4]. Some schemes, like the Warm Homes Plan, explicitly include renters and social housing tenants, which can cover many park home scenarios [2].

It’s important to note that the definition of ‘private domestic premises’ used in ECO4 and similar schemes generally includes park homes, provided you have the right to reside and can obtain landlord or site owner permission for installation [4].

A Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Eligibility

1. Check Your Benefit Status
   Most schemes require you (or someone in your household) to receive a qualifying benefit. Common qualifying benefits include:
   
   • Universal Credit
   • Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings Credit)
   • Income Support
   • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
   • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
   • Housing Benefit
   • Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit
   [1][3][4]
2. Assess Your Household Income
   For schemes like LA Flex, your total household income usually needs to be below £31,000 per year. Some local authorities may have slightly different thresholds or additional flexibility for park home residents, so always check with your local council [3].
3. Confirm Your Property Status
   Park home residents can apply if their home is their main residence. You’ll need to provide proof of address and, if you rent the pitch or home, written permission from the site owner or landlord [4].
4. Check Your EPC Rating
   Most grants require your park home to have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. If you don’t have an EPC, many installers can arrange a free assessment as part of the application process [4].
5. Unique Tip for Park Home Residents
   Some local authorities and energy suppliers run pilot schemes or have extra flexibility for park homes, especially in areas with high levels of fuel poverty. Always ask if there are special provisions for park home sites in your region [2].

The Typical Application Journey Explained

1. Initial Application & Eligibility Check
   Complete a quick online eligibility form—such as at applyfreeboiler.co.uk/apply—or contact your local authority or approved installer. You’ll answer questions about your benefits, income, and property type [1][3].
2. Free Home Survey & Assessment
   If you appear eligible, a qualified surveyor will visit your park home to confirm your EPC rating, check the suitability for solar panels, and ensure all paperwork is in order [4].
3. Installation of Measures
   Once approved, a TrustMark-accredited installer will fit the solar panels. The grant is paid directly to the installer—never to you—so you should not be asked for upfront payment for the grant-funded work [3].

A Crucial Trust Signal: How to Verify Your Installer and Avoid Scams

With the rise in grant-funded solar installations, it’s vital to protect yourself from rogue traders. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Always use a TrustMark-accredited installer. Ask for their registration number and verify it on the TrustMark website.
• Never pay upfront fees for the grant itself. Genuine schemes pay installers directly once work is complete [3].
• Beware of high-pressure sales tactics. If someone urges you to sign immediately or claims the grant will disappear within hours, walk away.
• Check for official credentials. All installers should provide written confirmation of your eligibility and the grant terms before any work begins.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can park home residents apply for solar panel grants in 2025?

Yes, park home residents can qualify for solar panel grants under schemes like ECO4 and the Warm Homes Plan, provided they meet the same eligibility criteria as other households [2][3].

Do I need my park home site owner’s permission?

Yes, if you rent your pitch or home, you’ll need written permission from the site owner or landlord before installation can proceed [4].

What EPC rating does my park home need?

Most schemes require an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. If you don’t have an EPC, many installers can arrange this as part of the survey [4].

Are there special grants just for park home residents?

While there are no national schemes exclusively for park homes, some local authorities offer extra support or pilot projects for park home sites, especially in areas with high fuel poverty [2].

How long does the process take from application to installation?

Most applications are processed within a few weeks, but this can vary depending on demand and local authority procedures [3].

Conclusion and Your Next Step

Park home residents are not excluded from the latest UK solar panel grant schemes—if you meet the benefit, income, and EPC criteria, you could be eligible for significant support. Always use accredited installers, check for local variations, and never pay upfront for grant-funded work. Ready to see if you qualify? Use our free online eligibility checker at applyfreeboiler.co.uk/apply and get a clear answer in minutes.

Full Citations and Resources

1. What's the Maximum Number of Solar Panels Allowed in the UK? - GreenMatch
2. Are There Specific Size Requirements for Solar Panels in the UK? - Neexgent
3. Solar panel grants and funding in the UK 2025 | FMB
4. Planning Permission for Solar Panels - HIES Consumer Code
5. Ultimate Guide To Solar Power Grants in the UK - Jackery