Low Energy House » Renewable Energy Grants - Green Grants

Householders can apply for grants of up to £2,500 per property towards the cost of having a certified product installed by a certified installer

The Department for Business Enterprise & Regulatory Reform (BERR) are providing grants for the installation of microgeneration technologies through the Low Carbon Programme

The programme will demonstrate how energy efficiency and microgeneration can work hand in hand to create low carbon buildings

Availability

Open to householders, public organisations, not for profit organisations and commercial organisations across the UK (except the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man).

Energy Efficiency Measures

Householders must undertake a number of energy efficiency measures before they are eligible to apply for a Low Carbon Buildings Grant. These measures will ensure that householders are minimising their energy requirements. Before applying householders are required to have:

• insulated the whole of the loft of the property to meet current building regulations e.g. 270mm of mineral wool loft insulation or suitable alternative
• installed cavity wall insulation (if the dwelling has cavity walls)
• fitted low energy light bulbs in all appropriate fittings
• installed basic controls for the heating system to include a room thermostat and programmer or timer

House Energy Check

It is recommended that householders complete a home energy check to assess which measures are most suitable for their home.

Energy Efficiency Measures

The Energy Saving Trust local advice centre on 0800 512012 will provide guidance on energy efficiency measures and energy efficiency grants available in different areas.

Planning Permission

Householders must have in place any required planning consents before applying to the scheme.

Obtain a Quote

After the householder has chosen their technology, they need to obtain a quote for a certified microgeneration product from a certified installer. When this is done an application can be made on line. Terms and conditions will apply.

Apply Online

By applying online, the householder will get an instant response to their request for a grant.

Amount of Grants Available

Here is the list of the funding levels available for each microgeneration technology.

• Solar Photovoltaics

  A maximum of £2,000 per kW of installed capacity, subject to an overall maximum of £2,500 or 50 per cent of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower

• Wind Turbines

  A maximum of £1,000 per kW of installed capacity, subject to an overall maximum of £2,500 or 30 per cent of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower

• Small Hydro

  A maximum of £1,000 per kW of installed capacity, subject to an overall maximum of £2,500 or 30 per cent of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower

• Solar Thermal Hot Water

  An overall maximum of £400 or 30 per cent of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower

• Ground Source Heat Pumps

  An overall maximum of £1,200 or 30 per cent of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower

• Air Source Heat Pumps

  An overall maximum of £900 or 30 per cent of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower

• Automated Wood Pellet Fed Room Heaters/Stoves

  An overall maximum of £600 or 20 per cent of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower

• Wood Fuelled Boiler Systems

  An overall maximum of £1,500 or 30 per cent of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower

There will be no further funds and no further measures to extend the scheme life

A £2,500 Maximum Limit on Grants per Household

There will be a £2,500 grant cap per household. Householders can still apply for more than one technology but the funding would be limited up to a maximum of £2,500 per household depending on the technologies involved.

First Come First Served Basis – No Monthly Cap

Household grants will be allocated on a 'first come first served’ basis as long as the funds last.

Scotland

In Scotland, grants are available under the Scottish Community and Household Renewables Initiative.

Further Information

For further information: Contact 0800 512012 or

Please refer to the www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk website for details of how to apply for grants and the energy efficiency measures that must be in place before the grant can be accessed.