By using Refresh NI, you will be eligible to apply for a low-cost loan under the Warm Homes Loan Scheme (WHLS).

Are you planning to install solar panels, battery storage or a heat pump? The Warm Homes Loan Scheme could help you finance eligible home energy improvements. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched the Warm Homes Loan Scheme (WHLS) to make low-carbon home improvements more affordable by reducing the cost of borrowing for homeowners and private landlords. Rather than providing grants directly to householders, the Government subsidises participating lenders so they can offer loans at lower interest rates.

Full scheme information can be found at Warm Homes Loan Scheme: Factsheet – GOV.UK.

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What measures can be financed through the WHLS?

You must use the Warm Homes Loan Scheme to pay for one (or more) of the following upgrades:

Solar Panels & Battery Storage.

Generate electricity from sunlight and reduce the amount of electricity purchased from the grid, and store surplus solar electricity for use later.

MeasureMaximum Loan
Solar PV£15,000
Battery Storage£15,000
EV Charge PointOnly when taken with Solar PV and/or Battery Storage

 

Heating

The Warm Homes Loan Scheme can help make upgrading to a low-carbon heating system more affordable by providing access to reduced-cost finance for eligible heat pump installations.

MeasureMaximum Loan
Air-to-water heat pump£20,000
Ground source heat pump£35,000
Biomass boiler (rural properties)£20,000
Heat network connection£7,500

 

Other

Other eligible small-scale renewable technologies, such as domestic wind or hydroelectric systems.

MeasureMaximum Loan
Micro wind/hydro systems£20,000

 

Installer and product requirements

For solar panels, battery storage and heat pumps, the requirements are:

  • Products must be certified through MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme).
  • Installers must be MCS-certified.
  • Lenders must verify MCS certification before releasing WHLS-supported finance.

How to Apply for the Warm Homes Loan Scheme

To apply for the Warm Home Loans Scheme, follow the steps listed below.

  1. 1.
    Obtain your quote from Refresh NI (your MCS registered installer).
  2. 2.
    Apply for a low-cost loan under the WHLS scheme by contacting Refresh NI (your FCA-registered broker) on 02890 993485.
  3. 3.
    A member of the Refresh NI team will complete your application with you and submit it to the lender (Propensio) on your behalf.
  4. 4.
    Receive a credit decision from the lender (usually within a few hours).
  5. 5.
    Book your installation date.
  6. 6.
    Sign and return the Satisfaction Note once your installation has been completed.

Find more information on how to apply for the Warm Homes Loan Scheme here.

Who can avail of the WHLS?

Eligible borrowers are:

  • Owner-occupiers
  • Private rented sector landlords
  • Properties anywhere in the UK
  • No income thresholds apply

Engineer Replacing Boiler-1

Why should you choose Refresh NI as your installer?

Choosing Refresh NI as your installer for the Warm Homes Loan Scheme means benefiting from a knowledgeable local team who can support you throughout your home energy upgrade journey.

As an MCS-registered installer and FCA-authorised credit broker, we can access the Warm Homes Loan Scheme finance through Propensio, help you find the right energy-efficient solution for your home, guide you through the loan application process and manage your installation from start to finish.

With a range of renewable energy and home improvement solutions available, we make it easier to improve your home’s energy efficiency, reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources and spread the cost of eligible improvements through affordable finance options.

People also ask…

Frequently Asked Questions about the Warm Homes Loan Scheme.

What is the Warm Homes Loan Scheme?

The Warm Homes Loan Scheme is a government-backed initiative designed to make energy-efficient home improvements more affordable. It gives customers access to low and reduced-interest finance, helping homeowners and private landlords spread the cost of installing eligible low-carbon technologies, like air source heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage.

Is the Warm Homes Loan Scheme available in Northern Ireland?

Yes! The Warm Homes Loan Scheme is available across the UK, including Northern Ireland. Homeowners and eligible property owners in Northern Ireland can apply through participating finance providers, subject to the lender’s eligibility and affordability criteria.

Who is eligible for the Warm Homes Loan Scheme?

The scheme is aimed at homeowners and private landlords who want to make eligible energy-saving improvements to residential properties. Applicants must meet the lender’s credit and affordability requirements. There is no government-set household income threshold for the scheme.

What improvements are covered by the Warm Homes Loan Scheme?

The scheme supports several low-carbon home improvements, including:

Solar PV panels | Home battery storage | Air source heat pumps | Ground source heat pumps | Heat network connections | Domestic wind turbines | Micro-hydroelectric systems.

The available finance and maximum loan amounts depend on the technology and lender.

Is the Warm Homes Loan Scheme a grant or a loan?

The Warm Homes Loan Scheme is a loan, not a grant. It provides access to reduced-interest finance, meaning you can spread the cost of eligible home improvements over an agreed repayment period. You will still need to repay the amount borrowed, including any applicable interest and fees.

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