SEA can advise clients in Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire on how to apply for an LCBP grant

Grants available for installing renewable energy

The DTI are no longer accepting applications under the Clear Sky’s Scheme which closed on 1^st April 2006. This scheme has been replaced by the Low Carbon Buildings programme (LCBP). The criteria and grants are different, and the LCBP began accepting applications from the 24^th April 2006.

What is the Low Carbon Buildings programme (LCBP)?

The low carbon buildings programme will provide grants for microgeneration technologies for householders, community organisations, schools, the public sector and businesses.

How does this differ from PV and Clear Skies?

This programme differs in that it is aiming to promote a more holistic approach to reducing carbon from buildings by encouraging applicants to consider energy efficiency alongside microgeneration (generating electricity at home).

What are the criteria for receiving a grant?

We have only received the criteria for Stream 1 - Individual householder & small business grants; which are:

1. Applicants must be the householder / owners of the property for which the grant is applied for (applicants who have leasehold ownership must have permission of the property freeholder).

2. Applicants will be resident of the UK. Grants are not available to residents of the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

3. The property must be located within England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland.

4. Systems must supply a permanent building (mobile homes, caravans, house boats etc. are not eligible).

5. You have installed the basic level of energy efficiency measures as outlined above. You may be able to access grants for energy efficiency measures.

Is there anything I can be doing to prepare to make a grant application?

If you are considering a grant application under Stream 1 - Individual householders & small businesses, you can be preparing now as follows:

A condition of the grant will be that you have installed a basic level of energy efficiency measures. Minimum requirements for applying will be:

a. You have a minimum of 270mm of loft insulation, mineral fibre or equivalent
b. You have installed cavity wall insulation (if you have cavity walls)

c. You are using low energy light bulbs in all appropriate light fittings

d. You have installed basic controls for your heating system to include a room thermostat and a programmer or timer.

Installation of microgeneration technologies must be carried out by accredited installers (DIY is not allowable). The Solar Energy Alliance is a DTI accreted installer, and you can obtain quotes now for your chosen technologies. We can then submit a grant application on your behalf and handle all the paperwork once the scheme opens.

What levels of grants will be available?

Grant levels will be as follows and will be regularly reviewed as the market for each technology develops:

	% Grant available
Solar photovoltaics	Maximum £3,000 per kWp installed, up to a maximum of £15,000 subject to an overall 50% limit of the installed cost (exclusive of VAT)
Wind turbines	Maximum £1,000 per kW installed, up to a maximum of £5,000 subject to an overall 30% limit of the installed cost (exclusive of VAT)
Small hydro	Maximum £1,000 per kW installed, up to a maximum of £5,000 subject to an overall 30% limit of the installed cost (exclusive of VAT)
Solar thermal hot water	Maximum £400 regardless of size subject to an overall 30% limit (exclusive of VAT)
Heat pumps Ground / water / air source	Maximum £1,200 regardless of size subject to an overall 30% limit (exclusive of VAT)
Bio-energy 1.Room Heater/Stoves automated wood pellet feed 2. Wood fuelled boiler systems	Maximum £600 regardless of size subject to an overall 20% limit (exclusive of VAT) Maximum £1,500 regardless of size subject to an overall 30% limit (exclusive of VAT)
Renewable CHP	Grant levels to be defined
MicroCHP (Combined heat and power)	Grant levels to be defined
Fuel cells	Grant levels to be defined

Can I get grants to install energy saving measures?

Some grants and subsidies are available under the HEAT scheme for insulation and heating systems. Please contact us for further information.

Who do I apply to?

The Solar Energy Alliance can handle all applications on your behalf with the LCBP. You must have an accredited installer to be able to apply for these grants.

Contact SEA on (01202) 828294 or by email on office@sea-sw.co.uk

Grants Available