Funding for Homeowners and Self-Builders

Welcome to the funding area which provides details of possible schemes for renewable energy system installations.

Solar PV - The Low Carbon Buildings Programme grant for homeowners to install Solar PV has now closed. This closed prematurely without warning as a result of the announcement regarding the Clean Energy Cashback Scheme.

WE ARE NOW UPDATING THESE PAGES TO REFLECT RECENT CHANGES. PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON.

We aim to provide homeowners with information on the best routes or funding, and so we’ve compiled some information below. The scheme dates and conditions change regularly, so remember to check the scheme website before applying.

There are two main schemes available to Homeowners:

The Low Carbon Buildings Programme – Phase 1 - Now open until 2011 - for private, domestic customers installing products into their own homes, either new-build or retro-fit.
Householders can apply for a grant of up to £2,500 per property to install certified products, using a certified installer. See below for more information.

You can find more information further down this page.

For properties in Scotland – Scottish Community and Householders Renewables Initiative (SCHRI) provides grants of upto 30% of the cost of the installation, to a maximum of £4,000

Click here for more information on this scheme

Local Authority Grants and Interest-free loans 

In addition to the two above schemes, there may be an additional grant or finance available from your local authority. We are aiming to compile some possible schemes here soon, but in the meantime please contact your local authority.

The Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 1 Information

Grant validity periods vary by technology.

Installations on existing buildings:

• Solar Thermal Hot Water – 3 months

• Ground Source Heat Pumps – 6 months

• Air Source Heat Pumps – 6 months
  

Installations on buildings under construction:

• Solar Thermal Hot Water – 6 months

• Ground Source Heat Pumps – 6 months

• Air Source Heat Pumps – 6 months

  
  

What are the required energy efficiency measures?

You must undertake a number of energy efficiency measures before you are eligible to apply for a grant from the Low Carbon Buildings Programme. These measures will ensure that you are minimising your energy requirements. Before applying you are required to have:

• a. 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
  b. installed cavity wall insulation (if you have cavity walls)
  c. fitted low energy light bulbs in all appropriate light fittings
  d. installed basic controls for your heating system to include a room thermostat and a programmer or timer.

How long will it take to receive my grant payment?

The scheme aims to process grant claims within 25 working days of receipt of full claim documents. Currently the grant processing time is 2 working days as of 11th November 2009. Householders are required to reclaim the grant directly from the scheme administrators.

When does the scheme close?

The scheme has recently been extended and is due to close in 2011. This applies only to heat-producing systems (i.e. heat pumps and solar thermal systems)

Next Steps?

The first step is to contact us using our Quote and Assistance form. We take some details about your project, and we’ll then be in touch within 1 working day to discuss potential options and answer any questions you may have. We then provide a quotation which you are required to include as part of your funding application.

More information can be found at here.

Some information compiled from Low Carbon Buildings. Information is deemed accurate at time of writing (February 2010). Grants are subject to application, Access Renewables are in no way connected with the application process.