Installers Urged to Train Now as Warm Homes Loan Scheme Opens

Installers are being urged to get their skills and certification in place following the launch of the government’s Warm Homes Loan Scheme.

The scheme, announced yesterday by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, offers government-backed interest-free and low interest loans to cover the cost of installing solar panels, batteries and heat pumps for households across the UK. Repayments can be spread over up to 30 years.

Warm Homes Loan Scheme

Ten lenders are taking part at launch, some offering interest-free loans, with rates up to 5% lower than the high street. More lenders and products are expected to join as the scheme develops.

Homeowners can combine a loan with a Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant of up to £9,000 towards a heat pump, or Home Energy Scotland scheme support in Scotland.

The government estimates that a heat pump, battery and solar panels together could save a family up to £550 a year on energy bills, rising by a further £300 a year on a time-of-use tariff.

The scheme arrives at a time of strong growth. According to the government, almost 150,000 solar panel installations took place in the first 6 months of this year, and heat pump sales reached a record high in 2025.

Renewables Training for Installers

GTEC Training, a renewables training provider with centres across the UK says work under the Warm Homes Plan will only go to installers who are qualified and certified to carry it out as an MCS certified installer.

Dave Hudson, Managing Director of GTEC Training, said: “Upfront cost has long been one of the main barriers for households considering heat pumps, solar PV and battery storage. By removing much of that barrier, this scheme is likely to drive a significant increase in demand across the domestic retrofit market.

“Installers are the ones who will need to respond to that demand, and customers will expect them to be qualified, certified and able to deliver quality installations from the outset. Training now means businesses are ready to quote with confidence and take full advantage of the opportunity as enquiries begin to grow.”

Certification

GTEC advises installers to check their route to MCS certification so they can take advantage of the new work. As households are being encouraged to install the technologies together, it also suggests that installers consider adding complementary skills to include all three renewables – solar PV and battery storage alongside heat pumps.

>>Read more about the Warm Homes Loan Scheme in the news