Alternative Energy Systems
1. Ground Source Heat Pumps.
What are they?
Heat pumps harness energy from the ground, water or air and upgrade it for space heating. By harnessing this resource, a Heat Pump uses less energy than a typical heating system to provide the same amount of heat.
As a Heat Pump uses less energy it also has lower CO2 emissions, a typical Heat Pump system (running on mains electricity) causes 40% less CO2 emissions than an equivalent oil boiler.
If you can operate your Heat Pump with green electricity then your central heating system becomes 100% renewable and totally free of CO2 emissions.
How does it work?
It works on the same principles as a refrigerator. In a refrigerator heat is removed from the cooled area and ‘dumped’ into the outside area. A Heat Pump removes heat from the preferred sources (soil, water, air) and delivers it at an enhanced temperature to the required space. In general for every 1kW input a Heat Pump will deliver 3kW of heat. In some cases in can be as good as 5:1.
(Ref: Severn Wye Energy Agency, Unit 6/15, The MEWS, Brook Street, Mitcheldean, Glos. GL17 0SL.
Tel: 01594 545366, Email: cri@swea.co.uk)
Is it ‘Green’?
Even though a heat pump could provide 100% space and hot water heat requirements for a home, only 60 - 75% of the energy needed for the system comes from the ground and is renewable, the other 25 - 30% is in the form of electricity and is only renewable if it is generated from a renewable source too. If this can be the case with every ground source heat pump installed then they will also play an important role in a future sustainable energy strategy.
(For more information the Renewable Energy Helpline on 0800 138 0889 or contact: NEF Renewables: The National Energy Centre Davy Avenue Knowlhill Milton Keynes MK5 8NG Tel: 01908 665555 Fax: 01908 665577 renewables@greenenergy.org.uk
http://www.greenenergy.org.uk/ http://www.powered.org.uk/ http://www.solarschools.org.uk/
Sponsors: The National Energy Foundation, The Department of the Environment Transport and the Regions, Student Force, PowerGen)
What do they cost?
A ground source Heat Pump system for a typical three bedroom semi-detached house will cost from £4000 to £6,000.
In order to cut costs potential owners consider digging collector trenches themselves or drilling a borehole.
When linked with under floor heating Heat Pumps are most efficient and have very low running costs. A Heat Pump will have an expected life of around 20 years, similar to a conventional boiler, and the ground loops or boreholes have expected life spans of 125 years.
What is the payback period?
Can be as short as 2-3 years.
Is there official support for Ground Source Heat Pumps?
The Government is supporting the introduction of Ground Source Heat Pumps into the UK through grants under its LCBP programme. At present, grants are available for non-reversible closed loop systems, utilising a borehole or trenches. A fixed grant of £1,200 is available for domestic systems, and of up to 30% for installations made under the Community stream.
Please refer to the Low Carbon Building Programme:- (http://www.est.org.uk/myhome/generating/grants/ ) website for details of how to apply for grants. See addendum at the end of this article.
In Scotland, grants are available under the Scottish Community and Household Renewables Initiative.
Further Information
Heat Pump Association (HPA) Tel: 01491 578674. www.feta.co.uk/hpa
International Energy Agency Heat Pump Centre (HPC) www.heatpumpcentre.org
2. Solar Hot Water Systems.
What are they?
Solar Panels absorb heat from the sun which heats up a fluid passing through the panel in pipes. The fluid is then piped to a hot water tank to heat the hot water supply. It is a simple system for harnessing the sun’s energy to reduce pollution by other methods of heating (oil, gas, coal).
An average home system might provide almost all the hot water over the summer, (with global warming this could extend this period). Through the rest of the year it will pre-heat the water which will then be brought up to temperature by conventional means. Efficiency should be around 50-60% of the total energy required.
What is the cost?
A home Solar water heating system costs about £2,500-£4,500.
This can be reduced by installing yourself to be in the region of £1,500-£2,000.
Lifetime of the system is likely to be well over 20 years.
What is the payback period?
Likely to be in the region of 2-3 years.
Is there official support for Solar Hot Water Systems?
The cost of a professionally installed solar system for heating hot water can vary significantly. It is therefore important that those considering investing in this technology do as much research as they can to ensure that they are getting the best system for their needs along with value for money. This research should include at least three quotes from reputable suppliers.For more information on the factors that influence the cost of a system go to:- The Low Carbon Building Programme. http://www.est.org.uk/myhome/generating/grants/
Household Grant Offered: £400 regardless of system size.
See addendum at the end of this article.
Further Information
Solar Trade Association: www.greenenergy.co.uk/sta Tel: 01908 442290
Centre for Alternative Technology: http://www.cat.org.uk/ Tel: 01654 705981.
National Energy Foundation: http://www.greenenrgy.org.uk/ Tel: 0800 138 0889
3. Solar Photovoltaic Systems
What are they?
Electricity can be generated directly from sunlight using Photovoltaic (PV) systems. These are rectangular black are dark blue panels usually incorporated into the structure of buildings. This means that power is generated close to where it is needed and the PV panel can replace roofing or cladding materials.
The output of a PV system depends on the size and efficiency of the panels
PV panels can produce electricity without releasing carbon dioxide (CO2).
They do not produce air, sea or land pollution and the manufacturing process does not cause major environmental impacts when compared to other industrial processes.
Typically a 1kW system can take up to 8-16 square metres.
The energy captured can be used directly or stored in batteries.
What is the cost?
A 1kW system would provide roughly 25% of the average household’s annual electricity demand and would cost between £6,000 and £15,000 depending on the type of PV system.
(Ref: Severn Wye Energy Agency, Unit 6/15, The MEWS, Brook Street, Mitcheldean, Glos. GL17 0SL.
Tel: 01594 545366, Email: cri@swea.co.uk)
What is the payback Period?
Is quite long, somewhere in the region of 10-15 years. (Not really viable for household consumers unless subsidised by grant).
Is there official support for PV systems?
A grant is available of up to 50% of the cost of your solar photovoltaic (PV) systems (for grid connected installations). This grant is available for both commercial and domestic solar installations provided they are linked to the National Grid.
See addendum at the end of this article.
Further Information
PV-Web: http://www.pv-uk.org.uk/ Tel: 01908 442291.
Centre for Alternative Technology: http://www.cat.org.uk/ Tel: 01654 705981.
National Energy Foundation: http://www.greenenrgy.org.uk/ Tel: 0800 138 0889.
4. Wood Heating Systems (Biomass)
What are they?
Domestic Wood Burners, or Room Heaters; Central Heating wood fuelled burners; Power Stations.
Domestic Wood Burners:
Direct Room Heaters (this is an example) can be sized to heat a single room, a small home, or the core of an open plan house. They can also be used with a back boiler to provide hot water and to heat radiators elsewhere in the building.
Room Heaters designed specifically to burn wood pellets tend to be efficient and clean burning as well as convenient to operate.
If you have a question that's not listed below you can post a new one on the Energy Saving Trust's frequently asked questions database, mailto:mailto:%20info@lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk
OR Contact the LCBP on: 0800 915 0990.
The grant levels will be as follows and we will regularly review them as the market for each technology develops:
Technology Grant available
Solar photovoltaics
Wind turbines
What are they?
Heat pumps harness energy from the ground, water or air and upgrade it for space heating. By harnessing this resource, a Heat Pump uses less energy than a typical heating system to provide the same amount of heat.
As a Heat Pump uses less energy it also has lower CO2 emissions, a typical Heat Pump system (running on mains electricity) causes 40% less CO2 emissions than an equivalent oil boiler.
If you can operate your Heat Pump with green electricity then your central heating system becomes 100% renewable and totally free of CO2 emissions.
How does it work?
It works on the same principles as a refrigerator. In a refrigerator heat is removed from the cooled area and ‘dumped’ into the outside area. A Heat Pump removes heat from the preferred sources (soil, water, air) and delivers it at an enhanced temperature to the required space. In general for every 1kW input a Heat Pump will deliver 3kW of heat. In some cases in can be as good as 5:1.
(Ref: Severn Wye Energy Agency, Unit 6/15, The MEWS, Brook Street, Mitcheldean, Glos. GL17 0SL.
Tel: 01594 545366, Email: cri@swea.co.uk)
Is it ‘Green’?
Even though a heat pump could provide 100% space and hot water heat requirements for a home, only 60 - 75% of the energy needed for the system comes from the ground and is renewable, the other 25 - 30% is in the form of electricity and is only renewable if it is generated from a renewable source too. If this can be the case with every ground source heat pump installed then they will also play an important role in a future sustainable energy strategy.
(For more information the Renewable Energy Helpline on 0800 138 0889 or contact: NEF Renewables: The National Energy Centre Davy Avenue Knowlhill Milton Keynes MK5 8NG Tel: 01908 665555 Fax: 01908 665577 renewables@greenenergy.org.uk
http://www.greenenergy.org.uk/ http://www.powered.org.uk/ http://www.solarschools.org.uk/
Sponsors: The National Energy Foundation, The Department of the Environment Transport and the Regions, Student Force, PowerGen)
What do they cost?
A ground source Heat Pump system for a typical three bedroom semi-detached house will cost from £4000 to £6,000.
In order to cut costs potential owners consider digging collector trenches themselves or drilling a borehole.
When linked with under floor heating Heat Pumps are most efficient and have very low running costs. A Heat Pump will have an expected life of around 20 years, similar to a conventional boiler, and the ground loops or boreholes have expected life spans of 125 years.
What is the payback period?
Can be as short as 2-3 years.
Is there official support for Ground Source Heat Pumps?
The Government is supporting the introduction of Ground Source Heat Pumps into the UK through grants under its LCBP programme. At present, grants are available for non-reversible closed loop systems, utilising a borehole or trenches. A fixed grant of £1,200 is available for domestic systems, and of up to 30% for installations made under the Community stream.
Please refer to the Low Carbon Building Programme:- (http://www.est.org.uk/myhome/generating/grants/ ) website for details of how to apply for grants. See addendum at the end of this article.
In Scotland, grants are available under the Scottish Community and Household Renewables Initiative.
Further Information
Heat Pump Association (HPA) Tel: 01491 578674. www.feta.co.uk/hpa
International Energy Agency Heat Pump Centre (HPC) www.heatpumpcentre.org
2. Solar Hot Water Systems.
What are they?
Solar Panels absorb heat from the sun which heats up a fluid passing through the panel in pipes. The fluid is then piped to a hot water tank to heat the hot water supply. It is a simple system for harnessing the sun’s energy to reduce pollution by other methods of heating (oil, gas, coal).
An average home system might provide almost all the hot water over the summer, (with global warming this could extend this period). Through the rest of the year it will pre-heat the water which will then be brought up to temperature by conventional means. Efficiency should be around 50-60% of the total energy required.
What is the cost?
A home Solar water heating system costs about £2,500-£4,500.
This can be reduced by installing yourself to be in the region of £1,500-£2,000.
Lifetime of the system is likely to be well over 20 years.
What is the payback period?
Likely to be in the region of 2-3 years.
Is there official support for Solar Hot Water Systems?
The cost of a professionally installed solar system for heating hot water can vary significantly. It is therefore important that those considering investing in this technology do as much research as they can to ensure that they are getting the best system for their needs along with value for money. This research should include at least three quotes from reputable suppliers.For more information on the factors that influence the cost of a system go to:- The Low Carbon Building Programme. http://www.est.org.uk/myhome/generating/grants/
Household Grant Offered: £400 regardless of system size.
See addendum at the end of this article.
Further Information
Solar Trade Association: www.greenenergy.co.uk/sta Tel: 01908 442290
Centre for Alternative Technology: http://www.cat.org.uk/ Tel: 01654 705981.
National Energy Foundation: http://www.greenenrgy.org.uk/ Tel: 0800 138 0889
3. Solar Photovoltaic Systems
What are they?
Electricity can be generated directly from sunlight using Photovoltaic (PV) systems. These are rectangular black are dark blue panels usually incorporated into the structure of buildings. This means that power is generated close to where it is needed and the PV panel can replace roofing or cladding materials.
The output of a PV system depends on the size and efficiency of the panels
PV panels can produce electricity without releasing carbon dioxide (CO2).
They do not produce air, sea or land pollution and the manufacturing process does not cause major environmental impacts when compared to other industrial processes.
Typically a 1kW system can take up to 8-16 square metres.
The energy captured can be used directly or stored in batteries.
What is the cost?
A 1kW system would provide roughly 25% of the average household’s annual electricity demand and would cost between £6,000 and £15,000 depending on the type of PV system.
(Ref: Severn Wye Energy Agency, Unit 6/15, The MEWS, Brook Street, Mitcheldean, Glos. GL17 0SL.
Tel: 01594 545366, Email: cri@swea.co.uk)
What is the payback Period?
Is quite long, somewhere in the region of 10-15 years. (Not really viable for household consumers unless subsidised by grant).
Is there official support for PV systems?
A grant is available of up to 50% of the cost of your solar photovoltaic (PV) systems (for grid connected installations). This grant is available for both commercial and domestic solar installations provided they are linked to the National Grid.
See addendum at the end of this article.
Further Information
PV-Web: http://www.pv-uk.org.uk/ Tel: 01908 442291.
Centre for Alternative Technology: http://www.cat.org.uk/ Tel: 01654 705981.
National Energy Foundation: http://www.greenenrgy.org.uk/ Tel: 0800 138 0889.
4. Wood Heating Systems (Biomass)
What are they?
Domestic Wood Burners, or Room Heaters; Central Heating wood fuelled burners; Power Stations.
Domestic Wood Burners:
Direct Room Heaters (this is an example) can be sized to heat a single room, a small home, or the core of an open plan house. They can also be used with a back boiler to provide hot water and to heat radiators elsewhere in the building.Room Heaters designed specifically to burn wood pellets tend to be efficient and clean burning as well as convenient to operate.
Key Points
Burning wood does not contribute to climate change if felled trees are replaced.
Wood-fuel is a renewable heating fuel if from a sustainable source.
Modern Systems are very efficient creating minimal air pollution.
Wood fuel could help the rural economy.
How does it work?
Wood can be burned directly to provide heat in a central heating boiler or a room heater. Wood can also be used to run a turbine and generate electricity.
Modern wood-fired heaters are highly efficient (keeping the heat inside the house much longer) and burn the fuel more completely and cleanly than older systems or open fires.
Wood pellets or wood chips are small and have uniform size and shape so they are more suitable for automatic feed systems such as hoppers or screw feeds, which are more convenient than hand feeding.
Refined wood fuels, such as wood briquettes or pellets made from compressed sawdust, are now available.
Why is it important?
Burning wood does not contribute to climate change as long as the wood is from a sustainable source (a tree is planted for every one felled). Carbon dioxide is released when wood is burned but this is approximately equivalent to the CO2 which is taken in by trees over their lifetime ( the carbon cycle).
Using wood fuel can assist the rural economy, creating new business and employment opportunities
The main sources of wood fuel are as follows;
· Sawdust and debris from wood processing
· Residues from forestry or forest management
· Energy crops such as coppiced willow
Biomass and your home
There are two main ways of using biomass to heat a domestic property:
Stand-alone stoves providing space heating for a room. These can be fuelled by logs or pellets but only pellets are suitable for automatic feed. Generally they are 6-12 kW in output, and some models can be fitted with a back boiler to provide water heating.
Boilers connected to central heating and hot water systems. These are suitable for pellets, logs or chips, and are generally larger than 15 kW.
Stoves can be 80% efficient. They're normally used for background heating. They also add aesthetic value in the living area of the house itself. Many wood burning stoves act as space heaters only. But the higher output versions can be fitted with an integral back boiler to provide domestic hot water and central heating through radiators, if needed.
There are many domestic log, wood-chip and wood pellet burning central heating boilers available. Log boilers must be loaded by hand and may be unsuitable for some situations. Automatic pellet and wood-chip systems can be more expensive. Many boilers will dual-fire both wood chips and pellets, although the wood chip boilers need larger hoppers to provide the same time interval between refuelling.
Boilers can be designed with an integral hot water energy storage or accumulator tank that stores water up to 90º C, enabling the supply of heat to be further decoupled from the combustion of the fuel. This is particularly helpful with log boilers where systems operate at full load and the matching of demand with load is performed by the accumulator.
Is my house suitable?
You should consider the following issues if you're thinking about a biomass boiler or stove. An accredited installer will be able to provide more detailed advice.
Fuel: It's important to have storage space for the fuel, appropriate access to the boiler for loading and a local fuel supplier.
Flue: The vent material must be specifically designed for wood fuel appliances and there must be sufficient air movement for proper operation of the stove. Chimneys can be fitted with a lined flue.
Regulations: The installation must comply with all safety and building regulations (see Part J of the Building Regulations).
Smokeless zone: Wood can only be burnt on exempted appliances, under the Clean Air Act. This mainly applies to domestic appliances.
Planning: If the building is listed or in an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), then you will need to check with your Local Authority Planning Department before a flue is fitted.
Costs
Capital costs depend on the type and size of system you choose. But installation and commissioning costs tend to be fairly fixed. Stand alone room heaters generally cost £1500 - £3000 installed. The cost for boilers varies depending on the fuel choice; a typical 20kW (average size required for a three-bedroom semi-detached house) pellet boiler would cost around £5000 installed, including the cost of the flue and commissioning. A manual log feed system of the same size would be slightly cheaper.
Running costs: Unlike other forms of renewable energy, biomass systems require you to pay for the fuel. Fuel costs generally depend on the distance from your supplier. As a general rule the running costs will be more favourable if you live in an area that doesn't have a gas supply.
Payback: This depends on the fuel being replaced and the type of wood fuel being used. It too is more favourable in areas that don't have a gas supply.
Local benefits
Producing energy from biomass has both environmental and economic advantages. It is most cost-effective when a local fuel source is used, which results in local investment and employment. Furthermore, biomass can contribute to waste management by harnessing energy from products that are often disposed of at landfill sites.Interested in introducing a renewable energy technology into your home? The low carbon buildings programme will provide grants towards installing these technologies. Accreditation for the low carbon buildings programme is undertaken by Clear Skies.
ADDENDUM.
Householder frequently asked questions
Burning wood does not contribute to climate change if felled trees are replaced.
Wood-fuel is a renewable heating fuel if from a sustainable source.
Modern Systems are very efficient creating minimal air pollution.
Wood fuel could help the rural economy.
How does it work?
Wood can be burned directly to provide heat in a central heating boiler or a room heater. Wood can also be used to run a turbine and generate electricity.
Modern wood-fired heaters are highly efficient (keeping the heat inside the house much longer) and burn the fuel more completely and cleanly than older systems or open fires.
Wood pellets or wood chips are small and have uniform size and shape so they are more suitable for automatic feed systems such as hoppers or screw feeds, which are more convenient than hand feeding.
Refined wood fuels, such as wood briquettes or pellets made from compressed sawdust, are now available.
Why is it important?
Burning wood does not contribute to climate change as long as the wood is from a sustainable source (a tree is planted for every one felled). Carbon dioxide is released when wood is burned but this is approximately equivalent to the CO2 which is taken in by trees over their lifetime ( the carbon cycle).
Using wood fuel can assist the rural economy, creating new business and employment opportunities
The main sources of wood fuel are as follows;
· Sawdust and debris from wood processing
· Residues from forestry or forest management
· Energy crops such as coppiced willow
Biomass and your home
There are two main ways of using biomass to heat a domestic property:
Stand-alone stoves providing space heating for a room. These can be fuelled by logs or pellets but only pellets are suitable for automatic feed. Generally they are 6-12 kW in output, and some models can be fitted with a back boiler to provide water heating.
Boilers connected to central heating and hot water systems. These are suitable for pellets, logs or chips, and are generally larger than 15 kW.
Stoves can be 80% efficient. They're normally used for background heating. They also add aesthetic value in the living area of the house itself. Many wood burning stoves act as space heaters only. But the higher output versions can be fitted with an integral back boiler to provide domestic hot water and central heating through radiators, if needed.
There are many domestic log, wood-chip and wood pellet burning central heating boilers available. Log boilers must be loaded by hand and may be unsuitable for some situations. Automatic pellet and wood-chip systems can be more expensive. Many boilers will dual-fire both wood chips and pellets, although the wood chip boilers need larger hoppers to provide the same time interval between refuelling.
Boilers can be designed with an integral hot water energy storage or accumulator tank that stores water up to 90º C, enabling the supply of heat to be further decoupled from the combustion of the fuel. This is particularly helpful with log boilers where systems operate at full load and the matching of demand with load is performed by the accumulator.
Is my house suitable?
You should consider the following issues if you're thinking about a biomass boiler or stove. An accredited installer will be able to provide more detailed advice.
Fuel: It's important to have storage space for the fuel, appropriate access to the boiler for loading and a local fuel supplier.
Flue: The vent material must be specifically designed for wood fuel appliances and there must be sufficient air movement for proper operation of the stove. Chimneys can be fitted with a lined flue.
Regulations: The installation must comply with all safety and building regulations (see Part J of the Building Regulations).
Smokeless zone: Wood can only be burnt on exempted appliances, under the Clean Air Act. This mainly applies to domestic appliances.
Planning: If the building is listed or in an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), then you will need to check with your Local Authority Planning Department before a flue is fitted.
Costs
Capital costs depend on the type and size of system you choose. But installation and commissioning costs tend to be fairly fixed. Stand alone room heaters generally cost £1500 - £3000 installed. The cost for boilers varies depending on the fuel choice; a typical 20kW (average size required for a three-bedroom semi-detached house) pellet boiler would cost around £5000 installed, including the cost of the flue and commissioning. A manual log feed system of the same size would be slightly cheaper.
Running costs: Unlike other forms of renewable energy, biomass systems require you to pay for the fuel. Fuel costs generally depend on the distance from your supplier. As a general rule the running costs will be more favourable if you live in an area that doesn't have a gas supply.
Payback: This depends on the fuel being replaced and the type of wood fuel being used. It too is more favourable in areas that don't have a gas supply.
Local benefits
Producing energy from biomass has both environmental and economic advantages. It is most cost-effective when a local fuel source is used, which results in local investment and employment. Furthermore, biomass can contribute to waste management by harnessing energy from products that are often disposed of at landfill sites.Interested in introducing a renewable energy technology into your home? The low carbon buildings programme will provide grants towards installing these technologies. Accreditation for the low carbon buildings programme is undertaken by Clear Skies.
ADDENDUM.
Householder frequently asked questions
If you have a question that's not listed below you can post a new one on the Energy Saving Trust's frequently asked questions database, mailto:mailto:%20info@lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk
OR Contact the LCBP on: 0800 915 0990.
A.) What levels of grants will be available?
Technology Grant available
Solar photovoltaics
Maximum £3,000 per kWp installed, up to a maximum of £15,000subject 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
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
Solar thermal hot water
Maximum £400 regardless of size subject to an overall 30% limit (exclusive of VAT)
Heat pumps
Ground / water / air source
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
Bio-energy
1.Room Heater/Stoves automated
wood pellet feed2.
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
Renewable CHP Grant levels to be defined
MicroCHP (Combined heat and power) Grant levels to be defined
Fuel cells Grant levels to be defined
B.) Who can apply for a grant? Individual property owners including private householders can apply for grants from the programme.
C.) How will the application process work? Applications are accepted on a rolling first-come-first-served basis.
An outline of the process is as follows:
Complete the energy efficiency measures required by the programme and obtain a quote from an accredited installer.
Fully complete an application form and return it to the Energy Saving Trust complete with the quote from an accredited installer.
After receiving a grant offer letter, order the equipment and begin installing the technology. The grant is valid for 6 months.
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 15 working days of receipt of all the documentation.
An outline of the process is as follows:
Complete the energy efficiency measures required by the programme and obtain a quote from an accredited installer.
Fully complete an application form and return it to the Energy Saving Trust complete with the quote from an accredited installer.
After receiving a grant offer letter, order the equipment and begin installing the technology. The grant is valid for 6 months.
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 15 working days of receipt of all the documentation.
Applications can be received from properties located within England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland (excluding the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands).
Please note: you should wait until you have received a grant offer letter before commencing the installation.
D.) What are the criteria for receiving a grant?The main criteria for householders are:
Applicants must be the householder / owners of the property for which the grant is applied (applicants who have leasehold ownership must have permission of the property freeholder).
Applicants must be resident of, and the installation address be situated in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Systems must supply a permanent building (mobile homes, caravans, house boats etc. are not eligible).
You have installed the basic level of energy efficiency measures as outlined in the About the grant programme section of this website. You may be able to access grants for energy efficiency measures. Have a look at the Energy Saving Trust's grants information database or call your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on 0800 512 012 for information on energy efficiency grants .
Applicants must be the householder / owners of the property for which the grant is applied (applicants who have leasehold ownership must have permission of the property freeholder).
Applicants must be resident of, and the installation address be situated in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Systems must supply a permanent building (mobile homes, caravans, house boats etc. are not eligible).
You have installed the basic level of energy efficiency measures as outlined in the About the grant programme section of this website. You may be able to access grants for energy efficiency measures. Have a look at the Energy Saving Trust's grants information database or call your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on 0800 512 012 for information on energy efficiency grants .
E.) Can I apply more than once for the same project for different technologies
Yes you can. You can apply for funding for up to 3 different technologies on one building, with a maximum of 3 different buildings funded (NB these have to be on separate applications).
F.) What if the grant applications are for different addresses? Different addresses are still eligible as the programme is all about maximising the number of low carbon buildings.
G.) I have an offer of grant under the existing schemes (Clear Skies and PV schemes), can I have a grant from the low carbon buildings programme too? Yes, provided it is for another technology. You cannot have more than one grant from this or the previous programmes for the same technology.
H.) I live in Scotland / Northern Ireland, can I also get a grant from the schemes operating here? You will not be allowed to receive a grant from the Low Carbon Buildings programme along with a grant from the Scottish Community and Household Renewables Initiative (SCHRI) or the new Northern Ireland scheme being developed for the same project or installation; i.e. double funding for projects will not be allowed.
J.) What can be funded? Grants are available for more than one microgeneration technology at the same address. All new systems supported with Low Carbon Buildings Grants must deliver an output of greater than 0.5kWp for electrical installations. There is no minimum for thermal installations.
Applications must be related to installations on permanent buildings. Applications for temporary and mobile buildings or non-building related installations will not be considered for Grant support (e.g. mobile homes, houseboats, motorway sound barriers, telecommunication towers).
Applications must be related to installations on permanent buildings. Applications for temporary and mobile buildings or non-building related installations will not be considered for Grant support (e.g. mobile homes, houseboats, motorway sound barriers, telecommunication towers).
Grants will only be awarded in respect of equipment and work directly related to the installed system. This includes design of the system, the cost of the plant and/or materials, installation and connection. Unrelated building works are not eligible.
Grants may only be claimed for approved (accredited) products/systems. Your accredited installer will be aware of this list. Where you have applied for a grant and installed a product not listed on the approved register, your grant will NOT be paid.
Installations should be designed and commissioned by accredited installers. If a non-accredited installer carries out the installation, then the grant will not be awarded in respect of this part of the cost. An accredited installer must confirm that the system has been satisfactorily installed by signing the programme commissioning forms.
Please note the grant will not cover:
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Un-associated costs (e.g. roofing works outside the direct installation of the microtechnology system, vandal covers, asbestos removal, upgrades to your household ring main, new radiators or heat distribution system, etc.)
Warranty costs – all accredited microgeneration installers are required to provide an installation warranty free of charge. Manufacturers usually provide an extensive lifetime warranty for their technology. Consult your installer for details of these warranties before committing
Expenditure on works or activities which any other person or organisation has a statutory duty to undertake
Any liability arising out of negligence on the part of the Applicant or its representatives.
Expenditure of a political or religious nature.
Please refer to the Terms and conditions, for further details on http://www.est.org.uk/myhome/generating/grants/
or Contact the LCBP on: 0800 915 0990.
Please note the grant will not cover:
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Un-associated costs (e.g. roofing works outside the direct installation of the microtechnology system, vandal covers, asbestos removal, upgrades to your household ring main, new radiators or heat distribution system, etc.)
Warranty costs – all accredited microgeneration installers are required to provide an installation warranty free of charge. Manufacturers usually provide an extensive lifetime warranty for their technology. Consult your installer for details of these warranties before committing
Expenditure on works or activities which any other person or organisation has a statutory duty to undertake
Any liability arising out of negligence on the part of the Applicant or its representatives.
Expenditure of a political or religious nature.
Please refer to the Terms and conditions, for further details on http://www.est.org.uk/myhome/generating/grants/
or Contact the LCBP on: 0800 915 0990.
posted by Chris Tormey at 3:28 pm
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