As energy bills rise and climate concerns grow, more homeowners in Wales are looking for ways to make their homes greener, more efficient — and save money in the long run. The Green Homes Wales scheme is a major initiative from the Welsh Government, run via the Development Bank of Wales, aimed at helping households decarbonise, reduce energy use, and upgrade their homes. developmentbank.wales+3developmentbank.wales+3GOV.WALES+3
Here’s what you need to know about the scheme — and how Genfit can help you take full advantage of it if you’re considering going solar.
What the Green Homes Wales Scheme Offers
The scheme combines expert advice, financing, and grant funding. Key features include:
Retrofit Coordinators
Homeowners can access an expert who assesses your home and recommends energy-efficiency and decarbonisation improvements tailored to your property. developmentbank.wales+2developmentbank.wales+2
Interest-free Loans
Eligible homeowners (owner-occupied, primary residence) can borrow between £1,000 and £25,000 interest-free, over up to 10 years. For larger projects, terms may be extended. There is a repayment “holiday” for 6 months so the benefits begin before repayments are due. developmentbank.wales+2developmentbank.wales+2
Grants (Installation Grant)
For certain “Eligible Measures” (including solar PV, solar PV + battery storage, solar thermal) the scheme offers grant funding to reduce out-of-pocket cost. The grant amount depends on what upgrades you choose and how much of the cost is being covered by the loan. developmentbank.wales+1
Range of Supported Measures
It’s not just solar — many fabric, heating, generation, controls upgrades are supported: insulation, glazing, heating systems (air/ground/water source heat pumps), draught proofing, smart controls, etc. Solar PV, solar thermal, PV with battery, and PV + diverter / PVT are explicitly included. developmentbank.wales+2developmentbank.wales+2
Eligibility
To qualify:
- You must own the home and it must be your primary residence. developmentbank.wales+1
- The home must be in Wales. developmentbank.wales+1
- It must not be a new build that hasn’t been occupied for at least 6 months. developmentbank.wales+1
- Properties listed or requiring special permissions might have restrictions. developmentbank.wales+1
Why Solar Fits Well in Green Homes Wales
For many homeowners, solar energy is one of the most visible, straightforward ways to reduce electricity bills and carbon emissions. Under Green Homes Wales:
- Solar PV (with or without battery storage) is an eligible generation measure. developmentbank.wales+1
- Because the scheme allows a mix of financing + grants, the up-front cost burden is lower, making solar more affordable.
- Adding batteries or diverters can help you maximise the benefit of solar — storing or redirecting energy so less is wasted.
- Solar is more powerful as part of a package: combining solar with insulation or heating controls increases the overall efficiency and savings. Green Homes Wales encourages comprehensive home assessments to identify multiple measures. developmentbank.wales+1
How Genfit Can Help You Go Solar Under Green Homes Wales
Genfit is in a strong position to help homeowners benefit from Green Homes Wales. If you’re considering solar, here are ways Genfit can assist:
Expert Assessment & System Design
- Genfit will visit your site to assess your property: roof orientation and condition, shading, structural suitability.
- They size the system to fit your energy usage, budget, and future plans (e.g. EV charger, battery storage).
- They help integrate with other improvements you might do under the scheme (insulation, heating upgrades), to ensure the solar system is part of an efficient home overall.
Navigating the Scheme & Funding
- Genfit can help you understand whether you qualify for the Green Homes Wales loan + grant.
- They can help with proposals / quotations that meet the requirements (e.g. installer accreditation, proper certificates).
- Assist with paperwork, ensuring the installer is registered with the required standards (TrustMark, MCS etc.), which is necessary under the scheme. developmentbank.wales+2developmentbank.wales+2
High-Quality Installation & Warranty
- Genfit is MCS certified, using trusted solar panels and inverter brands. genfit.co.uk+1
- They offer warranties on both equipment and workmanship, which helps ensure your system works reliably long-term.
Options for Batteries, Smart Controls, EV Charging
- To maximise the benefits under Green Homes Wales, solar plus battery or smart export/diverter is helpful. Genfit offers battery installations. developmentbank.wales+2genfit.co.uk+2
- EV charging could tie in, so surplus solar can go to your vehicle, reducing transportation emissions and cost.
Post-installation Support and Monitoring
- Ensuring your system operates efficiently: monitoring output, maintenance, advice on how to use your solar-generated electricity (e.g. timing usage, using appliances during sunniest periods).
- Helping you registering and using schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which pays for excess electricity sent back to the grid. Genfit mentions SEG in their offering. genfit.co.uk+1
Managing Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Because Green Homes Wales requires installers to be registered (TrustMark etc.) and to use certified products, Genfit’s credentials matter. They already hold relevant certifications. genfit.co.uk+1
- They can ensure that all the eligible measures are installed as per the regulations and standards required to receive the grant/loan funding.
What Homeowners Should Do Next
If you’re considering solar under Green Homes Wales, here’s a practical step-by-step:
- Register your interest / get an assessment via Green Homes Wales, to get a home assessment by a Retrofit Coordinator. That helps you see what measures are most cost‐effective. developmentbank.wales+1
- Collect quotes from certified installers (like Genfit), that meet the scheme’s criteria.
- Decide the package — solar only, or solar + battery/storage + other improvements.
- Apply for the loan + grant once you have quotes and know what works you’ll do.
- Have the work done by qualified installers, get all necessary certifications, invoices, etc.
- Monitor & adjust usage after installation to get the most benefit (i.e. use generated power, plan battery / export, etc.).
Conclusion
Green Homes Wales provides a real opportunity for homeowners in Wales to make their properties more energy efficient, reduce bills, and cut carbon emissions. Solar PV is very much part of that opportunity.
With Genfit’s expertise in design, installation, and helping navigate the financial and regulatory landscape, going solar under Green Homes Wales becomes more accessible, less risky, and more likely to deliver long-term savings.
