Grants / Funding

Low Carbon Buildings Programme

The BERR’s (formerly DTI\'s) Low Carbon Buildings Programme provides grants for microgeneration technologies for householders, community organisations, schools, the public sector and businesses. Microgeneration is the stand alone generation of low carbon heat and/or electricity which for example, could be through solar photovoltaics.
The programme will run over three years, starting from 1st April 2006 and replaces DTI\'s Clear Skies and Solar PV programmes, which closed for applications on the 31st March 2006. The programme aims to demonstrate how energy efficiency and microgeneration can work hand in hand to create low carbon buildings. Up to date information on the Programme and a list of accredited installers can be found on their website www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk or by phoning 0800 915 0990.

Energy Efficiency Grants

Grants are available for domestic energy efficiency improvements from three main sources:

• Warm Front – a government scheme which provides up to £2500 to households on certain benefits to improve their heating and energy efficiency. Householders should contact their local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on 0800 512012 for further information
• Energy suppliers are obliged to help achieve targets for improving home energy efficiency and they provide a range of offers which reduce the cost of installing energy efficiency measures regardless of the company supplying gas and electricity to the home.
• Local Authorities often provide grants and offers for local residents to install energy efficiency in their homes. Contact your local authority for further information.

VAT Rates

The installation of renewable energy and energy efficienct products are under certain circumstances (noticeably when used in domestic proerties and for charitable organisations) eligble to reduced, or zero, rated VAT.  

As a guide products used in retro-fit (i.e. within existing buildings) are normally eligible for VAT at  5% rate.  Those used within the contsruction of new buildings are normally eligible for zero VAT. 

For further information click here or visit www.hmrc.gov.uk.

 (Please note this information is for general reference only and may be subject to change).

Other sources of support:

• Householders should visit the Energy Saving Trust’s funding database www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/housingbuildings/funding/database/

• Community groups can access the Energy Saving Trust Community Action for Energy (Café) funding database on www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/cafe/funding/funding/