Warm Homes in Cornwall & Devon: What the Government’s New Plan Means for Homeowners
If you live in Cornwall or Devon, you may have seen recent headlines about the Government’s new Warm Homes Plan — a long-term commitment to upgrading millions of UK homes with heat pumps, solar panels, battery storage and insulation. But what does this actually mean for homeowners in the South West? And more importantly: what support is available now, and what’s still to come? This guide explains the Warm Homes Plan in plain English, with a specific focus on Cornwall and Devon homes.
What is the Warm Homes Plan?
The Warm Homes Plan is a £15 billion government programme designed to improve home energy efficiency, reduce energy bills, cut carbon emissions and support households through grants and finance. It runs through to 2030, giving long-term certainty for homeowners thinking about upgrading their heating or energy systems. The plan supports air source heat pumps, solar PV systems, home battery storage and insulation upgrades.
Why the Warm Homes Plan Matters in Cornwall & Devon
Homes in Cornwall and Devon are particularly well suited to low-carbon upgrades. Many properties across the region are off the gas grid, use oil, LPG or direct electric heating, have good solar potential and are older or rural homes where fuel costs are high. For these households, moving to renewable heating and power can significantly reduce long-term running costs, especially when grants are applied upfront.
What Support Is Available Right Now?
This is the most important part for homeowners.
✅ The £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
Homeowners in Cornwall and Devon can already access £7,500 off the cost of an air source heat pump. This support is paid upfront, not claimed later, and is available for owner-occupied homes and some rental properties. The scheme has been extended to 2030, giving confidence that support is not disappearing any time soon.
✅ Solar & Battery Incentives
There is 0% VAT on solar panels and battery storage, smart electricity tariffs already helping households lower running costs, and batteries can store cheap overnight electricity or excess solar generation. Many homes choose to combine solar, batteries and heat pumps for maximum benefit.
What About Low-Cost Government Loans?
You may also have seen headlines about low-cost or zero-interest loans under the Warm Homes Plan. It’s important to be clear and honest here: these loans are not live yet, and full details are still being developed. If new finance options are introduced in the future, they are expected to complement existing systems, for example by adding battery storage later, expanding solar arrays or funding additional energy upgrades.
Do Heat Pumps Work in Older Cornwall & Devon Homes?
Yes — when designed properly. Modern air source heat pumps have advanced significantly in recent years. Today’s systems can work effectively in older and rural homes, deliver higher water temperatures where needed, and reduce reliance on expensive oil or LPG heating. Good system design is far more important than blanket rules about insulation. Many homes across Cornwall and Devon are already running heat pumps successfully, including properties that would once have been considered unsuitable.
Is It Better to Act Now or Wait?
For most homeowners, acting now offers certainty: known grant values, clear install timescales, locked-in pricing and guaranteed support. Historically, new schemes tend to increase demand, which can lead to longer waiting times, higher installation costs and reduced installer availability. Upgrading now also means your home is well positioned for any future incentives, rather than starting from scratch later.
Warm Homes Cornwall & Devon – Local Expertise Matters
Choosing the right installer is just as important as choosing the right technology. A locally experienced installer understands rural properties, coastal conditions, off-gas homes, planning considerations and real-world running costs in the South West.
Thinking About Upgrading Your Home?
If you’re considering a heat pump, solar panels or battery storage in Cornwall or Devon, now is a good time to explore your options. You can take advantage of grants that are live today, plan upgrades in stages and future-proof your home against rising energy costs.
📞 Speak to a local expert
A professional survey will help you understand what systems suit your home, what grants you qualify for, expected running costs and savings, and how future upgrades could fit in.
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