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Renewable Green Energy Solutions - Grants
  
The Energy Saving Trust is in charge of the administration of these grants and the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) that controls the Low Carbon Buildings Programme provides the grants for these microgeneration technologies.
    
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> Heat Pumps
> Biomass (wood fueled technologies)
  
DECC's Low Carbon Buildings Programme householder stream is expected to be open until late 2010 for these heat generating technologies, or for as long as funds last.
 
Grant Requirements
  
There are a few requirements to take advantage of these grants as follows b ut we will be happy to guide you through the entore process.
                     
1. The deadline for applications has been extended to late 2010 or for as long as the funds are available. There is no limit on the number of applications received each month so they are allocated on a first come first served basis as long as the funds last. Although it depends on popularity of the programme, this means it's best to apply as soon as possible before the money runs out.
             
2. There is a £2500 maximum limit on grants per household. Householders can apply for more than one technology but the limit is still £2500 so it's best to invest in your most viable options.
             
3. Before you can apply for a grant you have to undertake a number of measures to make your house as energy-efficient as possible. Although this may add extra expense it does make sense as there's no point in funding a microgeneration project if the energy produced is then wasted and by taking these measures you will be saving money in the long run.
             
In addition the Low Carbon Buildings Programme suggests you get a home energy check to suggest which measures would be most suitable for your home. If you live in London, click here for more information on the Green Home Concierge service.
             
4. Householders must have in place the required planning consents before applying to the scheme. More visible installations such as wind turbines are almost certainly going to require planning permission. On 6th April 2008 the Government announced new "permitted development rights" to allow householders in most areas in the UK to proceed with solar PV, solar thermal, ground and water source heat pumps, and biomass installations without planning permission. The only exceptions to this are listed buildings, areas of outstanding natural beauty and conservation areas.
             
To be certain it's best to get in touch with your planning authority as soon as possible. Also try to find out if any of your neighbours have shown an interest in microgeneration - this can help to win your bid for planning permission if you do need it.
             
The grants do not allow for delays that result from getting planning permission or other statutory requirements, therefore it's best to get the necessary planning approval before applying for a grant. If the circumstances are truly out of your control an extension of two months will be allowed.
             
5. Once your home is energy efficient according to above measures you need to obtain a quote for an approved microgeneration product from an approved installer. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme decides these and all Good Energy Generate Your Own products and installers are approved.
             
6. Applications can be made online or with a paper application. Note that the paper application will take longer to process. After receiving a grant offer letter via email, you can begin installing the technology. However you do not receive the grant until the installation has been completed. Your installer will issue you with a certificate of completion that you submit to the Energy Saving Trust to receive your grant payment.
             
7. Once you have received an offer there is a time limit for each technology to be installed. Solar thermal grant applications will be given 3 months to complete installations, Heat Pumps and Biomass will be given 6 months, Hydro will be given 12 months and technologies being installed on buildings under construction will have a grant offer validity of 6 months (except hydro which has a 12 month grant offer period).
             
8. After you have completed the installation and you have paid the installer, you can submit the claim documents to the Energy Saving Trust. The grant claim is checked and, if in order, the grant will be issued within 25 working days of receipt of the claim.
             
 
 
Grants available for business customers
                           
The Low Carbon Buildings Programme - Phase 2E (LCBP2E) is a Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) scheme offering grants for microgeneration installations by public sector and charitable organisations. Check the Scheme Conditions to confirm your eligibility.
             
 
 
 
Call us on 0844 8400 999 or click here for more information.