Solar Power Grants / Energy Saving Grants
Question: Now that there are no solar power grants, are there any other types of grants for those interested in saving energy and money? If so, what are they?
Answer: With global warming an imminent threat, the UK government introduced the Clear Skies and Solar PV schemes. However, this was replaced, in 2006, by the Low Carbons Building Program. This too was withdrawn by the government. However, there are several other solar power grants, also known as energy saving grants, available for consumers. These grants provide users financial assistance to ensure that they make their homes and businesses environmentally friendly. There are many advantages of obtaining grants for solar panels. With the cost of energy on the rise, the investment of solar panels ensures the reduction of gas and electricity costs. In addition, it is an opportunity for users to promote an environmentally concerned way of life. Local authorities, energy suppliers and governments all offer users the financial assistance necessary to ensure the implementation of energy saving measures in the home or business.
Grants by the Government
A large sum of money can be saved if applicants qualify for the grants offered by the government. The government awards these grants in various ways. For example, loft insulation and cavity wall insulation grants are non-repayable grants given for generating users’ own electricity with the use of solar turbines, panels, etc. The government also pays a specific amount for using renewable fuels such as bio mass instead of fossil fuels. The feed-in tariff is a means by which governments pay back homeowners for each kilowatt of electricity that they have generated through their own system. If an excess amount is generated and supplied to the national grid, then, as well, the homeowners will be rewarded with a payment commensurate with the generated energy. The eligibility criteria for government grants for solar panels vary from country to country.
The Warm Front Scheme is a grant that enables users the ability to install insulation and heating improvements. This in turn, makes their homes more energy efficient. Qualifying applicants receive £3,500 for improvements. Applicants are able to use this grant to improve loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, draught proofing and glass-fronted fires, etc. The scheme targets low-income families and poorly insulated property holders.
The Welsh government also provides its residents the ability to reduce their fuel bills. The Nest Scheme offers users grants to improve their homes in the most energy efficient manner at no cost. Nest ensures that a Nest contractor installs the home improvements if applicants qualify for the grant. If applicants do not qualify for the Nest grant, they refer applicants to other schemes that help with home improvements without any cost.
The Warm Homes Scheme is a project funded by the Department for Social Development, Northern Ireland, that provide grants to ensure an energy efficient home. Homeowners of all ages are eligible for this grant. However, there are other requirements to qualify for the grant. Therefore, homeowners are recommended to go online and ensure that they understand the eligibility criteria before applying for the grant.
Grants from Energy Suppliers
Gas and electricity suppliers are also obliged by the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target to provide solar panel grants to users. This is to reduce the emission of carbon from their homes. Companies such as British Gas, Npower and Scottish and Southern Energy all help people by offering them grants to cover the costs of insulation. Furthermore, these suppliers also provide users energy saving light bulbs. This, however, stopped as few users were making use of this option. Energy saving grants offered by suppliers can vary. Therefore, users are advised to contact the main energy suppliers in their area for application.
There are a number of grants for solar panels and other energy saving methods. Individuals interested in making a contribution towards preserving the environment through energy conservation can apply for these grants and make use of the benefits.