Energy grants available in Belfast
If you're a homeowner or tenant in Belfast, there are several government-funded schemes that could help you reduce your energy bills and improve your home's energy efficiency — many at zero cost. With the average Belfast energy bill at approximately £1,780 per year, taking advantage of these grants could save you hundreds annually.
Belfast has a population of approximately 345,000 residents, and around 48% of homes have an EPC rating of D or below — meaning they could benefit significantly from energy efficiency improvements.
Northern Ireland has its own grant programmes including the Affordable Warmth Scheme and NI Sustainable Energy Programme. ECO4 does not apply in NI, but the Boiler Replacement Scheme offers grants of up to £1,000.
Available schemes in Belfast
ECO4 Scheme — free insulation, boilers & solar
The ECO4 scheme is the most comprehensive energy grant available to Belfast households. If you receive qualifying benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, and others) and your home has an EPC rating of D-G, you could receive:
- Free loft insulation — saving up to £590/year
- Free cavity wall insulation — saving up to £395/year
- Free boiler replacement — if your boiler is broken or inefficient
- Free solar panels — generating free electricity and earning through Smart Export Guarantee
- First-time central heating — for homes without an existing system
ECO4 funding runs until December 2026 and is allocated first-come, first-served. Check your ECO4 eligibility →
Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) — no benefits needed
The GBIS is particularly valuable for Belfast residents because it doesn't require you to be on benefits. If your home is in council tax bands A-D, you may qualify for:
- Free cavity wall insulation
- Free loft insulation (including top-up)
- Free flat roof insulation
- Free room-in-roof insulation
Boiler Upgrade Scheme — £7,500 heat pump grant
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers Belfast homeowners a £7,500 grant towards an air source heat pump or £7,500 towards a ground source heat pump. This can reduce the cost of a heat pump installation from £12,000-15,000 down to £4,500-7,500.
Heat pumps are 3-4x more efficient than gas boilers, and when combined with solar panels, can virtually eliminate your energy bills. Learn more about heat pumps →
Solar panels in Belfast
Belfast receives enough sunlight to make solar panels a worthwhile investment. A typical 4kW system costs £6,000-8,000 and can:
- Generate 3,400-3,800 kWh of electricity per year
- Save £800-1,200 annually on electricity bills
- Earn £100-300/year through the Smart Export Guarantee
- Pay for itself within 6-8 years
- Add £5,000-10,000 to your property value
If you're on benefits, you may qualify for free solar panels through ECO4. Otherwise, combining the Boiler Upgrade Scheme heat pump grant with self-funded solar creates an extremely efficient home energy system.
How to maximise your grants in Belfast
The most effective strategy is to stack multiple schemes together:
- Start with insulation — Apply for free GBIS insulation (no benefits needed) or ECO4 insulation (benefits-based). This is the foundation of an energy-efficient home.
- Upgrade your heating — Use the £7,500 BUS grant to switch from gas to a heat pump. Or if eligible, get a free boiler through ECO4.
- Add solar — Either free through ECO4 or self-funded. Solar + heat pump is the ultimate combination for near-zero energy bills.
- Claim Smart Export Guarantee — Earn money by exporting surplus solar electricity to the grid.
Did you know? A fully insulated Belfast home with solar panels and a heat pump can reduce energy bills by up to 80% — saving over £1,500/year compared to the average unimproved home.
Belfast energy efficiency statistics
According to the latest EPC data, Belfast has significant potential for improvement:
- 48% of homes rated EPC D or below — eligible for ECO4
- Average energy bill: £1,780/year
- Local authority: Belfast City Council
- Available grants: NI Sustainable Energy Programme, Affordable Warmth Scheme, Boiler Replacement Scheme
How to apply for energy grants in Belfast
The process is straightforward:
- Enter your postcode above — Our eligibility checker confirms your council tax band and matches you with available schemes
- Complete a short assessment — Answer a few questions about your home and circumstances
- Get matched with installers — We connect you with Belfast City Council-approved, certified installers
- Free survey and installation — An assessor visits your home, and if eligible, installation is arranged at no cost
The entire process from application to installation typically takes 4-8 weeks. With funding running out in December 2026, we recommend applying as soon as possible.