Commercial - Grant Funding
Currently, there are two main grant streams available for public sector organisations. On some projects we are able to pair them up to provide 100% funding for your solar energy project.
There are a range of different grant and discount schemes running on a national and local level, for homeowners. We are accredited installers for all of the schemes listed below, and are more than happy to help you through the grant application process, so please don’t hesitate to contact us for advice on how to access these grants.
National Grants
The Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 1 – BERRs Low carbon buildings programme supplies grants for microgeneration technologies for householders. It offers funding for various different technologies at different rates. The grants are not means tested and the maximum amount per household is £2,500.
Present grant levels for the different technologies are as follows:
- Solar photovoltaics - £2000 per kW peak.
- Solar thermal hot water - £400 per system.
You MUST have a quote from us before you apply. The grant is valid for 3 months only, so please ensure you will have the installation finished within this timeframe before you apply. This is paid directly to you after installation is complete.
Local Grants and Discount Schemes
These are additional to the national Low Carbon Buildings
LCBP Phase 2 Grant Eligibility
The LCBP Phase 2 scheme provides £50 million of capital grant funding for the installation of various microgeneration technologies - including solar water heating and PV - by organisations in the UK public and not-for-profit sectors, including local authorities, housing associations, schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, public service organisations and registered charities.
The rules of the programme specify that the supply and installation of these technologies can only be carried out by Framework Suppliers such as SML, who have been appointed by the Government.
Grant Application Assistance
Solar Install can assist with the grant application process. The process of obtaining grants is usually straightforward with funds being awarded on a first come first served basis.
In most cases, applicants are notified of decisions within 7 working days of submitting an application. We hold regular free half-day seminars for our clients, to help and advise them with the process of application. Please contact one of our team for more information.
Scheme Closing Date
The LCBP Phase 2 scheme will close to new applications in June 2009. Successful applicants will have twelve months from receiving a grant to finish their installation, so it’s essential for projects to be completed by June 2010.
Community Sustainable Energy Programme
The Community Sustainable Energy Programme (CSEP) is providing £8 million to community-based organisations for the installation of microgeneration technologies, such as solar panels. CSEP is an open grants programme run by BRE as an award partner of the Big Lottery Fund (BIG).
CSEP Grant Eligibility
Grants are accessible for those who purchase and install solar photovoltaic’s and solar hot water systems as well as a range of other technologies.
Organisations can apply for up to £50,000 or 50% of the project fees, depending on which is lower. The scheme is open to not-for-profit community based organisations that come under one of the following categories:
- community groups with a governing document
- registered charities and trusts
- parish councils; schools and colleges
- companies that have a charitable purpose and a strong community focus (e.g. companies limited by guarantee, social enterprises, community interest companies, where any surpluses are mainly reinvested for community benefit)
- mutual societies
- church based and other faith basedorganisations
CSEP Application Assistance
The scheme is competitive and has quarterly application deadlines,(PDF available here). Applications are judged by a panel who asses whether the project displays the relevant objectives of the scheme.
The application process can be quite complex, and we have helped organisations to produce sound applications. We hold regular free half-day seminars for our clients to help and advise them with the application process. Please contact one of our team for more information here
Scheme Closing Date
The CSEP scheme will to close to new applications in 2010. Successful applicants will have twelve months from receiving a grant offer to complete their installation, so it’s essential that projects are completed by 2011.
