Cut your electricity bills with solar: Help4Homes Solar Installation Scheme

You may be able to access a funded solar PV installation through the Help4Homes scheme. The Help4Homes scheme is funded by British Gas and delivered through Effective Energy. It supports households struggling with high energy costs by offering advice and access to energy-saving measures, including solar PV installations.

Scarf helps you understand whether it’s worth exploring, supports you through the early steps, and makes sure you’re not left figuring it out alone. 

Free advice. Clear guidance. No pressure to proceed. 

 How Scarf can help

Scarf supports local households to access the Help4Homes solar offer by: 

• Offering initial guidance on likely eligibility, based on the information available 

• Referring eligible households to trusted installation contractors within our existing framework

• Providing additional support and reassurance, particularly where paperwork, evidence, or communication feels overwhelming 

Our role is to make the process clearer and more accessible, particularly for households who may need a bit more help understanding what’s involved. 

Final eligibility and technical suitability are always confirmed by the installation contractor following their own checks and assessments. 

Full scheme details can be found at British Gas – Help4Homes 

 About the Solar Installations 

The scheme may offer: 

• Solar PV systems designed to help reduce electricity bills 

• Battery compatible installations, allowing addition of battery storage 

• In some cases, there may be a household contribution toward the installation – this will always be discussed in advance 

Who the scheme is for 

You may be able to access the Help4Homes solar offer if you: 

• Are on a low income or receive certain benefits 

• Have high energy costs compared to your household income 

• Use a prepayment meter
  
• Are eligible for a Local Authority Flex (LA Flex) declaration 

Meeting these criteria does not guarantee an installation. 

We know this can feel confusing. If you’re unsure whether the scheme is right for you, give us a call, and we’ll help talk it through and check what support may be available. 

A referral does not guarantee that an installation will take place. All final eligibility decisions and technical checks are carried out by the installation contractor following a detailed assessment.
 

Energy advice and next steps 

At the referral stage, households are also offered energy advice from Scarf’s Home Energy Advice Team. This includes practical tips to reduce energy use and bills, guidance on getting the most from any solar installation, and information on other support options such as grants, vouchers or additional advice services. 

This support is always free, impartial, and tailored to your situation. 

Find out more 

If this sounds like it could help, give our Home Energy Advice Team a call. We’ll talk it through, answer your questions, and support you with the next steps.