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Heat Pump Grants, Solar VAT and EV Charging: March 2027 Deadlines
Information checked on 2 October 2026.
Planning a heat pump, solar panels, battery storage or an EV charger for your home in North Wales, Cheshire or the Wirral? 31 March 2027 is a date to keep in mind. Several government funding and tax arrangements are currently scheduled to change, which could affect the upfront cost of your project.
This guide explains the deadlines, who may qualify and how to plan your next steps. Swift Energy Solutions can help you understand which improvements suit your property and what support may be available.
When does 0% VAT on solar panels, batteries and heat pumps end?
HMRC currently applies 0% VAT to qualifying installations of energy-saving materials in residential accommodation, including solar panels, heat pumps and electrical battery storage.
Under the published rules, this temporary rate ends on 31 March 2027, with qualifying installations returning to 5% VAT from 1 April 2027.
For illustration, a qualifying installation priced at £10,000 before VAT would cost £10,000 at 0%, compared with £10,500 at 5%, assuming the underlying price stays the same.
The relief applies to qualifying installation work. Buying equipment on its own does not receive the same treatment. Ask your installer to explain the VAT position and timing for your particular project.
Source: HMRC VAT Notice 708/6.
£9,000 heat pump grants for oil and LPG homes: the March 2027 deadline
Eligible properties in England and Wales that are off the gas grid and replacing oil or LPG heating with an air-to-water or ground source heat pump can currently receive a £9,000 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant.
That is £1,500 more than the standard £7,500 grant for these heat pump technologies. The temporary uplift is available for applications properly made between 21 July 2026 and 31 March 2027.
Ofgem explains that an application is only properly made once it has the necessary information, together with the property owner's consent and identity verification. Accepting a quote alone does not secure the higher grant.
Your MCS-certified installer applies on your behalf, and the grant is deducted upfront from your quote or invoice. Eligibility depends on the property, existing heating system and proposed installation.
This deadline relates to the temporary uplift. The wider Boiler Upgrade Scheme and its standard funding are separate from that end date. Eligible homes replacing mains gas heating can currently receive £7,500 towards an air-to-water or ground source heat pump.
Find out more on Swift Energy's Boiler Upgrade Scheme page.
EV charger grants: who can get support before March 2027?
OZEV has extended five home and workplace chargepoint grant schemes until 31 March 2027.
Support includes:
Renters and flat owners: up to £500, covering 75% of eligible purchase and installation costs. Applicants must meet vehicle requirements and have private off-street parking.
Households with on-street parking: up to £500, subject to eligibility and the installation of a suitable cross-pavement charging solution.
Eligible residential landlords: up to £500 per socket.
Eligible workplaces: up to 75% of purchase and installation costs, capped at £500 per socket, for up to 40 sockets across their sites.
These grants have different requirements. A homeowner with a house and driveway should not assume they qualify for the renters and flat owners grant. State-funded education institutions have a separate scheme with a higher maximum amount.
Check approval requirements before arranging installation. For the flats and renters and residential landlord grants, OZEV says installation must wait until eligibility approval is received.
Sources: OZEV's chargepoint grant overview, 2026 scheme changes, renters and flat owners grant and Workplace Charging Scheme.
MCS is also changing its installer scheme
MCS says existing certified installers must transition to its redeveloped installer scheme by 31 March 2027. The changes include stronger consumer protection and financial protection arrangements.
For homeowners, this is an update to installer standards rather than a grant expiry. When comparing quotes, ask about certification and the protection provided with your installation.
Why start planning your renewable energy upgrade now?
A suitable system starts with understanding your home, energy use and budget. Surveys, design work, applications and installation scheduling all take time, so leave room to complete the required steps.
For a heat pump, ask about the proposed system, any radiator or hot water cylinder changes, the total installation cost and the grant shown on your quote. For solar panels and battery storage, discuss your electricity usage and how the system would work with your household's routine.
Explore our air source heat pump installations and solar panel and battery storage services to find out more.
Frequently asked questions
Is the whole Boiler Upgrade Scheme ending in March 2027?
The March deadline applies to the temporary £9,000 uplift for eligible off-gas-grid oil and LPG properties. It should not be described as the end of all Boiler Upgrade Scheme funding.
Can I get £9,000 if I have a mains gas boiler?
The higher grant is for qualifying off-gas-grid properties replacing oil or LPG heating. Eligible mains gas replacements can currently receive £7,500 towards an air-to-water or ground source heat pump.
Does accepting a quote before the deadline secure the grant?
No. Ofgem's £9,000 uplift depends on the application being properly made within the qualifying period, including the required information, consent and identity verification.
Will renewable energy definitely reduce my bills?
Running costs depend on the system, its design, your energy use and tariffs. Ask for an assessment of likely costs and savings for your property before deciding.
Find out what your home could qualify for with Swift Energy Solutions
Thinking about replacing an oil or LPG boiler, installing solar panels or adding battery storage? Find out what makes sense for your home before the March 2027 changes.
Based in Ruthin, Swift Energy Solutions supports homeowners across North Wales, Cheshire and the Wirral. Our team can assess your property, explain suitable options and help you understand funding eligibility, likely costs and the steps involved. For eligible heat pump installations, we manage the Boiler Upgrade Scheme application and show the grant as an upfront deduction.
Speak to Swift Energy Solutions today to discuss your home and request an assessment. Call 01824 719390 or email info@swift-energy.com, and take the first step towards a well-planned upgrade.
Dates, rates and eligibility reflect published guidance checked on 2 October 2026 and may change. Funding is subject to the relevant scheme rules and approval.
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