Help someone you know get solar panels & a heat pump, for free!
Octopus are giving away free solar and heat pumps?
Yes, you heard that right! Under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, there are thousands of people in the UK that could be eligible to get solar and heat pumps installed in their home, for zero cost. Read on to find out if you qualify.
The main thing that you need to know, is that the ECO scheme is an energy efficiency program, aimed at tackling fuel poverty and this means there are quite specific criteria that the applicants must meet.
Check below to see if you, or someone you know, could be eligible.
Am I eligible?
Your home must be suitable for a heat pump and solar panels
You'll need a property with a ground floor and access to outdoor space that can fit a heat pump. Your home will also need a sloping roof for the solar panels. If you qualify through our eligibility checker we will send a someone to your home to do a professional survey.
You must be in receipt of one of the following benefits
- Universal Credit
- Pension Guarantee Credit
- Pension Savings Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Housing Benefit
- Child Benefit (Threshold table below)
Your home must have an energy efficiency rating (EPC) of E, F or G
The home must have an energy efficiency rating of E, F or G to be eligible. You must have the owner’s permission to do the work.
Find your EPC rating:
Find your energy certificate if you live in Scotland, or if you live in England or Wales or ask your landlord or housing association.
Your home must be currently heating using gas/ LPG or oil
Your home must be built after 1980 but before 1st April 2022
Is this only for solar and heat pumps?
Yes! This scheme is designed to improve both the energy efficiency of the household and reduce the carbon emissions. This means in order to qualify the property must have the heat pump installed along with the solar panels.
We absolutely love heat pumps, they are incredibly efficient, they do not run on polluting gas and therefore keep our air cleaner. Plus, they run at a constant low heat, meaning no nasty blasts of heat and freezing cold as you turn the boiler on and off in the winter. Find out more about heat pumps.
For other types of support, such as insulation, you can check out the regular ECO scheme.
What happens after I apply?
- When we receive your application, one of our ECO specialists will go through your application to check the eligibility criteria has been met based on the information you've supplied. We may get in touch if we need more information.
- We will need to survey your property to check your home is suitable for solar panels and a heat pump. Only after the survey has been completed will we be able to advise if you're able to proceed.
- Next, our Octopus team will come and install the heat pump and solar panels, show you how they work and make sure you have our aftercare team contact information for any follow up questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I guaranteed to have home improvements if I am eligible?
We cannot guarantee that you'll have any upgrades installed. There are a few reasons why this could be, such as if our installers thinks your home won't save enough energy after a retrofit or that installing them might be too disruptive.
The installer will be able to advise once a survey has been completed and we will do everything we can to help you with your next steps.
I rent my property - do I qualify?
Yes! The scheme is available for privately rented properties - you just need to receive the qualifying benefits, check your home has an EPC rating of E or below and have permission from your landlord before we can proceed.
I live in social housing - do I qualify?
You will need to contact your local authority for further info on their own eco schemes. If you live in social housing that has an energy efficiency rating of E, F or G and you receive the qualifying benefits, you might be eligible for help with insulation or installing a heating system for the first time.
Who will install the upgrades to my home?
Octopus Energy, or one of our trusted installers, will carry out the work.
Do I need my landlords permission?
Yes, you must have the owner’s permission to do the work.
Will I have to pay for any of this?
No, for solar and heat pump upgrades, this will be completely free.
How do I find my energy certificate?
Find your energy certificate if you live in Scotland, or if you live in England or Wales or ask your landlord or housing association.
Hey I'm Constantine, welcome to Octopus Energy!
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