Renewable energy at home
Grants
Householder grants for renewable energy measures are currently available from the Department of Trade and Industry, through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme.
You must undertake a number of energy efficiency measures before you are eligible to apply.
These measures will ensure that you are minimising your energy requirements.
Before applying you must:
- Insulate the whole of the loft of the property
to meet current building regulations of 270mm of mineral wool loft insulation or suitable alternative - Install cavity wall insulation (if you have cavity walls)
- Fit low energy light bulbs in all appropriate light fittings
- Install basic controls to your heating system to include
a room thermostat and a programmer or timer
Our Home Energy Officer may be able to assist you:
Home Energy Officer
Telephone: 0191 424 7917
Who can receive a grant?
Household grants are allocated on a first come first served basis for as long as funds last. There is a £2,500 grant cap per household. You must have received planning permission for your installation or received confirmation from the local authority that it is not required, before applying for grant assistance.
Grant offers remain valid for a period that varies depending on the technology.
See the full terms and conditions and find out how to apply online by visiting the Low Carbon Buildings website:
Website: Low Carbon Buildings
Telephone: 0800 915 0990
How much funding can I apply for?
| Technology | Maximum grant |
|---|---|
| Solar photovoltaics | Maximum £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 |
| 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 |
Warmer Homes
For information on our Warmer Homes project, providing insulation and heating grants to homeowners or tenants living in private rented accommodation, please contact:
Home Energy Officer
Telephone: 0191 424 7917
