Renewable Technology Grants
Current National Grants:
Low Carbon Buildings Programme
The government currently provides grants to assist with the installation of renewable technologies through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme. Homeowners can apply for grants for the following renewable technologies:
- Micro-wind Turbines
- Solar Electricity (Solar Photovoltaic)
- Solar Water Heating Systems
- Small Hydro Power Systems
- Ground Source Heat Pumps
- Biomass Boilers (e.g. Wood Pellets)
The following amounts are available depending on the technology and the cost of the installation. Grants can be applied for by property owners including private owners. Persons renting or leasing properties cannot apply for grants it must be the owner and this also applies for council or housing association tenants who must contact the housing provider.
| Technology | Maximum Amount of Grant |
|---|---|
| Solar photovoltaics | Maximum of £2,000 per kW of installed capacity, subject to an overall maximum of £2,500 or 50% of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower. |
| Wind turbines | Maximum of £1,000 per kW of installed capacity, subject to an overall maximum of £2,500 or 30% of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower. |
| Small hydro | Maximum of £1,000 per kW of installed capacity, subject to an overall maximum of £2,500 or 30% of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower. |
| Solar thermal hot water | Overall maximum of £400 or 30% of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower. |
| Ground source heat pumps | Overall maximum of £1,200 or 30% of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower. |
| Automated wood pellet fed room heaters/stoves | Overall maximum of £600 or 20% of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower. |
| Wood fuelled boiler systems | Overall maximum of £1,500 or 30% of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower |
Before applying energy efficiency measures must be undertaken including loft and cavity wall insulation (where possible), low energy light bulbs, and heating system controls (including room thermostat and timer). Validity periods for specific grants and technologies should be checked on the scheme website found below.
A certified installer must be used for the survey, quote and installation in order for the grant application to be successful. You can find a list of local installers (also found on this website) and wider national installers at:
Planning permission must be obtained (if required) from the local authority. Once the offer is confirmed work can be carried out and paid for in full. After installation is complete the claim form can be returned and the appropriate funds will be released in 3-4 weeks.
Grants can also be gained for up to 3 technologies on any one building; however these must be separate applications and a maximum amount of £2500 still exists for each fixed address.
More details and frequently asked questions can be found at:
