Warm Homes Plan NI 2026: Solar & Energy Grants
The Warm Homes Plan is a Great Britain scheme. Here is what Northern Ireland actually offers.
Energy efficiency is devolved in Northern Ireland, so the GB Warm Homes Plan does not cover NI homes. Instead, NI runs the Affordable Warmth Scheme (for lower-income households), with the new Warm Healthy Homes Fund expected from around 2027. Every NI household can also benefit from 0% VAT on solar, the Smart Export Guarantee, and free quotes. Here is how it works and how to apply.
Last updated: June 2026
Updated 29 June 2026
Warm Homes Plan vs Northern Ireland: what actually applies here
The Warm Homes Plan is a Great Britain government programme. Because energy efficiency policy is devolved, it does not cover Northern Ireland and it did not replace any NI scheme. In NI, the main home energy grant is the Affordable Warmth Scheme, delivered by the Housing Executive (NIHE) and scheduled to run until March 2026. Its longer-term successor is the Warm Healthy Homes Fund, part of the Warm Healthy Homes Strategy 2026-2036 (announced 5 February 2026 by the Department for Communities), expected to be introduced around April 2027.
If you searched for "Warm Homes Plan NI", this page explains the NI equivalents and the solar support you can use today. For current eligibility, contact the NI Energy Advice line on 0800 111 4455. See our Northern Ireland solar grants guide, or get free solar quotes (0% VAT, no obligation).
Northern Ireland has its own schemes
Because energy policy is devolved, the GB Warm Homes Plan does not apply in NI. NI support comes through the Affordable Warmth Scheme now and the Warm Healthy Homes Fund (expected around April 2027). For current eligibility and advice, contact the NI Energy Advice line on 0800 111 4455 or email [email protected]. This page is updated as more information is released.
NI energy support at a glance
The figures that actually apply in Northern Ireland
0%
VAT on solar (every household)
£7,500
Affordable Warmth grant cap (income under £23,000)
£10,000
Cap for solid-wall insulation
~2027
Warm Healthy Homes Fund expected
Inside the GB Warm Homes Plan
For context, here is what the Great Britain scheme includes. These three pillars apply in England, Scotland and Wales, not in Northern Ireland.
Free Upgrades for Low-Income Households
£5 billion allocated for fully funded upgrade packages for low-income families and those in fuel poverty. Eligible households could receive:
- Free solar panels and battery storage - packages valued at £9,000-£12,000
- Insulation upgrades - walls, floors, roofs, and draught proofing
- Street-level upgrades for social housing neighbourhoods
Wider Support for GB Homeowners
In Great Britain, households can access support through grants and government-backed financing:
- Heat pump grant - GB Boiler Upgrade Scheme support for heat pump installations (not available in NI)
- Zero/low-interest loans - government-backed financing for solar, heat pumps, and batteries
- New build standards - solar panels required on all new homes from early 2026
Protections for Renters
New requirements for landlords to improve energy efficiency in rental properties:
- Updated minimum energy standards for private rental properties
- 500,000 families expected to be lifted from fuel poverty through renter upgrades
Technologies These Schemes Cover
The GB Warm Homes Plan and NI's own schemes both support a range of clean energy and efficiency technologies
Solar Panels
Photovoltaic and solar thermal systems for generating electricity and heating water
Heat Pumps
Air source, ground source, and air-to-air heat pumps (grant-supported in GB via the Boiler Upgrade Scheme)
Battery Storage
Home and heat batteries to store excess solar energy for later use
Insulation
Wall, floor, and roof insulation to reduce heat loss and energy bills
Draught Proofing
Sealing gaps around windows, doors, and floors to prevent heat escape
Smart Controls
Intelligent heating controls and energy management systems
GB Programme Goals
Targets set for the Great Britain scheme. Northern Ireland sets its own goals through the Warm Healthy Homes Strategy 2026-2036.
1m
Families lifted from fuel poverty by 2030
3x
Target to triple homes with solar panels
70%
Heat pumps to be UK-manufactured
Immediate support: £150 average energy bill reduction from April 2026, plus £150 Warm Home Discount for 6 million eligible households
Northern Ireland's Own Schemes
Instead of the GB Warm Homes Plan, NI homeowners have these devolved schemes
Affordable Warmth Scheme (now)
- Delivered by the NI Housing Executive (NIHE)
- Owner-occupiers and private tenants on a gross household income under £23,000, in or near fuel poverty
- Grants up to £7,500 (up to £10,000 for solid-wall insulation) for insulation and heating
- Scheduled to run until March 2026; confirm current status on 0800 111 4455
Warm Healthy Homes Fund (from ~2027)
- NI's longer-term successor to Affordable Warmth
- Part of the Warm Healthy Homes Strategy 2026-2036, announced 5 February 2026 by the Department for Communities
- Whole-house, fabric-first approach to home upgrades
- Expected to be introduced around April 2027; details to be confirmed (check nidirect)
NI Energy Grant Eligibility & How to Apply
Who qualifies for the Affordable Warmth Scheme, and how to apply or get advice in Northern Ireland.
Who is eligible (Affordable Warmth)
- Income under £23,000 - owner-occupiers and private tenants with a gross household income below £23,000, in or near fuel poverty.
- Grants up to £7,500 (up to £10,000 for solid-wall insulation), focused on insulation and heating improvements rather than solar PV.
- Every household (any income) can still use 0% VAT on solar, the Smart Export Guarantee, and free solar quotes.
- Your property must be in Northern Ireland. Criteria can change as the Warm Healthy Homes Fund is introduced, so check before you apply.
How to apply (step by step)
- Contact the NI Energy Advice line on 0800 111 4455 or email [email protected] to check the Affordable Warmth Scheme and Warm Healthy Homes Fund.
- Have your details ready: household income, any benefits you receive, and your home's EPC rating if you have one.
- Request a home energy survey or referral to confirm which measures you qualify for.
- For solar specifically, get a quote from an MCS-certified installer so you can benefit from 0% VAT and the Smart Export Guarantee.
Contact numbers and eligibility can change. Always confirm the latest details with the Housing Executive (nihe.gov.uk) or nidirect before applying.
Get free solar quotesCurrent Support Available in NI
These incentives are available to Northern Ireland households right now
0% VAT on Solar Panels
Save £500-800 on installation costs with zero VAT on solar panels, batteries, and installation. Available until March 2027.
Learn more about VAT savingsSmart Export Guarantee
Earn money for excess electricity you export to the grid. Typical rates range from 3-15p per kWh exported.
Learn more about SEGAffordable Warmth Scheme (NIHE)
Grants up to £7,500 (£10,000 for solid-wall insulation) for households on an income under £23,000. Scheduled to run until March 2026, with the Warm Healthy Homes Fund expected to follow from around 2027.
See how NI schemes workEnergy Bill Savings
Even without grants, solar panels offer strong returns with annual savings of £300-800 and payback periods of 7-11 years.
Get a free quoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does the Warm Homes Plan apply in Northern Ireland?
No. The Warm Homes Plan is a Great Britain government programme. Energy efficiency policy is devolved in Northern Ireland, so the GB Warm Homes Plan does not cover NI homes and it did not replace any NI scheme. Northern Ireland runs its own schemes: the Affordable Warmth Scheme now, and the Warm Healthy Homes Fund expected from around 2027.
What is the Affordable Warmth Scheme in NI?
The Affordable Warmth Scheme is Northern Ireland's main home energy grant, delivered by the NI Housing Executive (NIHE). It is for owner-occupiers and private tenants with a gross household income under £23,000 who are in or near fuel poverty. Grants are worth up to £7,500 (up to £10,000 for solid-wall insulation) towards insulation and heating improvements. It was extended to run until March 2026. For current status and eligibility, contact the NI Energy Advice line on 0800 111 4455.
What is replacing the Affordable Warmth Scheme in NI?
The longer-term successor is the Warm Healthy Homes Fund, part of the Warm Healthy Homes Strategy 2026-2036 announced by the Department for Communities on 5 February 2026. It takes a whole-house, fabric-first approach and is expected to be introduced around April 2027. Check nidirect for updates.
Can I get free or grant-funded solar panels in NI?
Northern Ireland does not currently have a dedicated domestic solar panel grant. The Affordable Warmth Scheme focuses on insulation and heating rather than solar PV. However, every NI household, regardless of income, can benefit from 0% VAT on solar installations, the Smart Export Guarantee for exported electricity, and free no-obligation quotes from our installer network.
What solar support can every NI household access?
Regardless of income, all NI households can use three things: 0% VAT on solar panel installations (until March 2027), Smart Export Guarantee payments for the electricity you export to the grid, and free quotes from our network of MCS-certified installers.
How do I get energy grant advice in Northern Ireland?
Contact the NI Energy Advice line on 0800 111 4455, email [email protected], or visit nihe.gov.uk. Check nidirect for updates on the Warm Healthy Homes Fund. Always confirm current eligibility before applying.
Don't wait - start saving now
Whatever happens with NI's energy schemes, you can already benefit from 0% VAT and significant energy bill savings with solar panels.
Get Free QuotesInformation on this page is for general guidance (last reviewed June 2026). The Warm Homes Plan is a Great Britain scheme and does not apply in Northern Ireland, where energy efficiency is devolved. NI support comes through the Affordable Warmth Scheme (NIHE) and the planned Warm Healthy Homes Fund. Scheme details, dates and eligibility can change. Always verify current schemes and contact details with official sources (nihe.gov.uk, nidirect, communities-ni.gov.uk) before making decisions.