Help & FAQs
Help & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) | HPO Homes
Welcome to our Help Centre. Find quick answers to the most common questions about HPO Homes, government grants, our £0 Upfront Solar Subscription, and installation processes.
If you can’t find the answer you need, please visit our Contact Us page.
1. Able to Pay Solar & Monthly Subscription
Information on our flagship service: getting solar panels, a battery, and an inverter with £0 upfront cost via a simple monthly payment plan.
What is the "Able to Pay Solar" subscription?
This service is designed for homeowners who may not qualify for a government grant but want to benefit from solar energy immediately. HPO Homes installs a full solar PV system, battery storage, and an inverter on your property with £0 upfront cost. You pay for the system through a fixed, affordable monthly subscription fee.
How does the £0 upfront subscription work?
We arrange the financing for the entire cost of the system and installation through our lending partners. You enter into a simple monthly payment agreement (similar to a mobile phone contract) for a set term (e.g., 10, 15, or 20 years). The goal is for your electricity bill savings to offset most, if not all, of your monthly payment.
How much will I save on my bills?
Savings vary based on your home's energy consumption, roof orientation, and the size of the system installed. During your free survey, we provide a detailed savings projection specific to your household, allowing you to see the financial benefit before committing.
Do I own the system?
Yes, you own the solar system from day one. The monthly subscription is a finance agreement used to purchase the assets, secured against the equipment itself, not your home equity (in most cases). Once the term is complete, the system is fully yours.
What maintenance is included in the subscription?
We offer various packages that can include maintenance and performance guarantees for the duration of your subscription term, ensuring peace of mind. Your sales consultant will outline these options during your survey.
2. Government Energy Grants (ECO Scheme)
Common questions regarding the UK Government's ECO4 scheme and eligibility for free measures.
What is the ECO4 scheme?
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a UK government-backed energy efficiency grant scheme. It requires energy suppliers to fund energy-saving measures like insulation and heat pumps for eligible households. HPO Homes is an accredited installer.
Am I eligible for a grant?
Eligibility usually depends on receiving certain means-tested benefits (e.g., Pension Credit, Universal Credit) or meeting specific local authority flexibility (LA Flex) criteria based on your household income and property type. Use our quick Eligibility Checker Tool on the website to confirm your status.
Do I have to pay anything back?
No. If you qualify for a 100% grant under the ECO scheme, the funding covers the entire cost of the survey, installation, and materials. It is a grant, not a loan.
3. The HPO Homes Installation Process
What to expect when you choose HPO Homes for your energy upgrades (both solar and grant measures).
How long does the process take from start to finish?
The typical timeframe from initial survey to completed installation is between 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the job and required approvals. We will keep you informed every step of the way via your customer portal.
What happens during the initial survey?
An accredited HPO Homes surveyor will visit your property to assess energy efficiency, determine suitable measures (solar or insulation), take measurements, and verify documentation. This survey is completely free and non-binding.
Are your installers certified and insured?
Yes, all our installers are highly trained, MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certified professionals where applicable, and TrustMark approved. HPO Homes is fully insured, and all our work comes with guarantees and warranties.
4. Guarantees and Warranties
Information on the security and quality of our work.
What kind of guarantees do you offer?
All installations are covered by robust warranties. Solar panels and inverters often have product warranties up to 10-25 years, while insulation measures typically come with a 25-year manufacturer-backed guarantee.
What if something goes wrong after installation?
In the unlikely event of an issue, please contact our support team immediately. We will arrange a visit to inspect the work under the terms of your guarantee.
5. My Account & Administration
Help with paperwork, payments, and managing your details.
How do I make my monthly solar payment?
Your monthly subscription payment is typically collected via direct debit by our finance partner. Full details of the payment schedule will be provided in your finance agreement documentation.
How do I log in to my customer portal?
You can access your account via the Login page here. You should have received your login details via email when your survey was booked.
I need to change my installation date.
Please call our scheduling team on 01543 399459 as soon as possible, ideally giving at least 48 hours' notice.