If you are planning to install a solar power system at your home or workplace, it is well worth looking into what is available in terms of government solar power grants. You may be eligible for considerable assistance in financing the project which only increases the ultimate cost savings you will make. The government solar power grants available come from the Low Carbon Buildings Programme and are managed by the Energy Saving Trust (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk). This programme was launched in April 2006 and replaces the former Clear Skies and Solar PV programmes throughout the UK (excluding the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man).
Government solar power grants are available to two distinct ‘streams’ as follows:
- Phase 1 – Householders
- Phase 2 – This covers projects for public sector and charitable organisations
The government solar power grants available are then broken down accordingly.
- For solar thermal hot water projects the homeowners grant is for a maximum of £400 or 30% of the total installed cost.
- For public sector and charitable funding check the Low Carbon Buildings Programme website (below) for the latest information.
The Low Carbon Buildings Programme grants have been withdrawn effective from 24th May 2010. Visit our feed-in tariff and renewable heat incentive pages for information on those schemes.
Solar photovoltaic installations no longer qualify for LCBP grants but the new feed-in tariffs reward homeowners for generating clean renewable electricity. The feed in tariff works on the basis that the consumer will be paid for each kilowatt hour of electricity their system generates even when this is used in their own home. There is also an additional payment for electricity which is not used and then fed back into the national grid. The initial rate at which payments have been set is 41.3 pence per kilowatt hour for all electricity generated by your system. In addition, you will be paid a further 3 pence per kilowatt hour (44.3p per kilowatt hour) for electricity exported to the national grid. Find out more at our electricity feed-in tariffs page.
Please note that the grants go towards the cost before VAT is added.
For all the latest information please visit www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk
Grants are also available for many other energy efficiency and renewable energy measures. Insulation is one such area which is key in making your home more energy efficient. Why not complete a free survey below to see if you are eligible for a grant.
For further information on Solar Power click on the links below
