This blog is intended for public sector, community and commercial organisations exploring solar in 2025. It will be updated as new funding rounds are announced.

With just 25 years left to meet the UK’s legally binding net zero target, 2025 marks a critical point in the decarbonisation journey. For public sector bodies and commercial organisations, investing in renewable technologies like solar isn’t just an environmental choice – it’s a strategic one.

Solar power continues to be a vital part of the UK’s energy strategy, offering long-term savings, improved energy security, and a visible commitment to sustainability. But with budgets under pressure, government support remains essential to making solar projects viable.

This guide outlines the latest funding opportunities available across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – and provides clarity on what’s genuinely available, and what’s often misunderstood.

Are There Government Grants for Solar Panels?

Yes – but with caveats. While funding is available in 2025 to support solar installations, it’s rarely as simple as applying for a dedicated ‘solar grant.’ Most schemes are either part of broader decarbonisation programmes or designed to deliver community-wide benefits. 

To make sense of what’s on offer, it helps to understand the different types of support available:

• Grants: Non-repayable funding awarded based on eligibility and how well the project aligns with the scheme’s objectives.
• Loans: Such as interest-free loans for the public sector via Salix, which support energy-saving upgrades.
• Misunderstood Schemes: For example, the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), which many assume covers standalone solar. In reality, it prioritises heat decarbonisation (like heat pumps). Solar may be included, but only if it directly supports a compliant heat-led bid.

Nationwide Grant Highlight

A notable opportunity this year is the Great British Energy Community Fund. Previously known as the Community Energy Fund, it offers £5 million in 2025 to town and parish councils, charities, community groups, sports teams and faith-based organisations. The fund supports local energy generation – helping power communities with cleaner, more sustainable sources close to where they’re needed most.

Solar Funding by UK Nation

While some solar funding is available across the UK, many schemes are devolved and managed regionally – with different priorities, eligibility rules and application processes in each nation. To make the most of what’s on offer, it’s important to understand the landscape in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland separately.

Below, we break down the key funding options available in each region for 2025.

England

In England, solar funding is typically available through regionally managed or targeted national programmes.

Key Opportunities:

• Great British Energy Community Fund: Apply through your Local Net Zero Hub. Focus is on community-led initiatives, with eligibility for not-for-profits and local authorities.
• Local Authority and LEP Schemes: Keep an eye on regional offerings that support SME decarbonisation and retrofit.

To be eligible, projects usually need to demonstrate clear community benefit or contribute meaningfully to a wider decarbonisation strategy. Many programmes will also require match funding, so it’s essential to assess financial readiness alongside eligibility.

Scotland

While Scotland has historically led the UK in renewable investment, direct grant funding for solar-only projects is limited in 2025.

Key Opportunities:

• Salix Scotland: Operates similarly to PSDS in England. Funding focuses on heat decarbonisation – solar panels are ineligible unless supporting a compliant project.
• Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES): May support solar as part of wider community energy schemes.

Organisations pursuing solar in Scotland will benefit most from community-led initiatives or when solar is bundled with heat technologies like heat pumps. For the public sector, success often lies in designing integrated projects that align with decarbonisation priorities.

Wales

Wales continues to invest in energy efficiency and renewables, but with similar constraints to England and Scotland.

Key Opportunities:

• Salix Wales: Again, solar is only eligible when tied to heat decarbonisation measures.
• Welsh Government Energy Service: Offers advisory support and may point towards funding for solar when integrated into broader energy plans.

Eligibility tends to favour strategic, outcome-driven projects. Emphasising carbon savings, community benefit, or inclusion in wider decarbonisation measures will improve chances of funding. Community groups may also find additional support through Wales-specific schemes.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland operates its own funding streams, and these may differ significantly from Great Britain.

Key Opportunities:

• Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP): Annual funding for energy-saving projects, sometimes includes solar when delivering community or household benefits.
• Local authority-led pilots or grants – check with your council.

Funding in Northern Ireland is often highly competitive and time-sensitive. A strong business case that demonstrates cost-effectiveness, energy impact, and local benefits will significantly strengthen your application.

Choosing the Right Solar Funding

When planning a solar project, consider:

• Property Type: Listed buildings and older stock may require planning permission or adaptations.
• Existing Infrastructure: Are there heat systems that could be decarbonised alongside solar?
• Match Funding: Many grants require a percentage contribution.
• Return on Investment: Can solar reduce your operational costs or enhance your ESG profile?
• Bundled Projects: Solar often works best as part of a larger energy strategy (e.g. heat pumps + PV + battery storage).

Explore more on PSDS and bundled bids in our Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme blog.

How C3 Group Can Help

Navigating the funding landscape for solar can be complex – but it’s what we do best.

At C3 Group, we specialise in:

• Funding strategy and navigation: Identifying the most suitable grants or loans for your goals.
• Application support: Helping you craft a strong bid with real impact.
• Project delivery: From feasibility to installation, we manage the entire solar deployment process.

Need help? Whether you’re a council, community group, school, or commercial business, we’re here to help you unlock solar funding and maximise your return.

Contact us today for expert advice and tailored support.