Homeowners across the UK can now borrow up to £35,000 at no or low interest for heat pumps, solar PV and battery storage. Except for heat network connections, every installation funded this way must be carried out by an MCS-certified installer.
On 27th October 2026, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced the first instalment of the Warm Homes Loan Scheme. For installers, it opens a new route to market: customers who couldn’t fund an upgrade upfront can now spread the cost over many years. For businesses that are not yet MCS certified, it’s a clear signal that certification is now the gateway to this demand.
What The Scheme Offers
The scheme is open to households in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Participating lenders have cut rates by up to 5% compared with regular loans, some loans are interest-free, and some can be repaid over up to 30 years. Lenders still run normal affordability and credit checks.
| Technology | Maximum loan |
|---|---|
| Ground source heat pump | £35,000 |
| Air-to-water source heat pump | £20,000 |
| Solar panels | £15,000 |
| Electrical storage battery | £15,000 |
Ten lenders are offering loans at launch, including Homeserve (with E.ON), Hometree Finance, Tandem Bank and The Money Co-op, with more expected. Homeowners can also combine a loan with a Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant of up to £9,000 (or Home Energy Scotland support in Scotland) to reduce the cost of a heat pump further.
Why MCS Certification Is Now Essential
Without MCS certification, installers cannot carry out work funded by the Warm Homes Loan Scheme (except for heat network connections). Homeowners are told to keep their MCS certificate alongside their quote, finance agreement and invoice, so certification is part of the customer’s paperwork from day one.
- Access to funded customers: Some lenders let customers choose any MCS-certified installer, while others work only with specific installers. Either way, certification is the entry ticket.
- Stacking with grants: The same MCS certification already gives access to Boiler Upgrade Scheme jobs, and customers can now combine both.
- Easier sales conversations: A no-upfront-cost finance option removes the biggest barrier many homeowners face, and the government estimates a heat pump, battery and solar panels together could save households up to £550 a year.
Why Get MCS Certified With British Assessment Bureau
British Assessment Bureau, part of Amtivo, is a UKAS-accredited MCS certification body, certifying installers against the redeveloped MCS scheme. Here’s why installers choose us:
- One certification body for PAS 2030 and MCS: Many of our installers already hold PAS 2030 with us. Adding MCS means one familiar team for both certifications that unlock government-funded retrofit and renewables work.
- The technologies the scheme funds: We certify installers of solar PV, battery storage, solar heating, and air-source and ground-source heat pumps, the core measures covered by the Warm Homes Loan Scheme.
- A clear, structured process: A desktop assessment and an on-site inspection, followed by annual surveillance, so you always know what comes next.
- No extra or hidden fees: Your cost is based on the size of your business, location and sector, quoted upfront.
- Nationwide coverage: Our assessors work with installers across the UK.
Get Ready for Warm Homes Loan Demand
Demand for MCS-certified installers is set to grow as lenders join the scheme. If you are not yet certified under the redeveloped MCS scheme or want to add MCS to your existing PAS 2030 certification, now is the time to start.
Request your MCS certification quote by calling our team on 0191 933 1112 or email mcs@british-assessment.co.uk.
