NEWSFLASH 24th May 2010

In a sudden blow to the UK renewables industry the UK government has just announced that as part of its immediate cuts programme, its popular Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP) grants for England Wales and N Ireland (BUT NOT SCOTLAND!) have ended today at 0600h.

To confirm this, Solar Twin Ltd have spoken to the grant office and LCBP has been closed to all new domestic and commercial applications as of 06:00 today.

Read this link for the full government press statement.

All existing applications will be processed however it now looks like there will be a funding gap until RHI next year, if in fact they happen at all.

Note: VAT on energy and on solar installations may rise above its current 5% level, in UK's planned midsummer cuts budget of 22 June. So it may be extra wise to buy now.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. But Plymouth Plumbers Ltd have committed to offering a £400 discount in lieu of grant until 12th Dec 2010. More updates soon.

END OF NEWSFLASH 24 May 2010

Government solar panels grants.

Details and useful links on how to apply for grants for solar water heating.

Plymouth Plumbers zero carbon solar water heating installations are now fully available for solar grants under the UK's Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP) nationally, at the following levels:

• £400 Homeowners in England and Wales. LCBP Rules here. LCBP Apply here. How to fill in the grant form here
• £800 Homeowners in Northern Ireland (this may fall to £400). £400 LCBP rules here. £400 LCBP Apply here. NIE top up grant of £400 is here.
• 30% (max £1200 Homeowners in Scotland. SHCRI Rules and application form here. PLUS 0% YES zero interest solar loans from Energy Saving Trust here.
• 50% schools, social homes and other community projects (under LCB phase 2) LCBP 2 Rules here. LCBP 2 Apply here.
• 50% to 100% community projects (But for a few selected lottery funds only.) Lottery Funds Selector here.

In UK there are sometimes also some local council top-up funds for solar panels. Ask your council or visit the Energy Saving Trust grants and offers website and type in your postcode.

Solartwin solar collectors do not need planning permission, but they may need consent on listed buildings, in Scottish conservation areas, or in national parks. Four prerequisites of the homeowner grants are that you must:

• Insulate your loft to current building regulations e.g. 270mm of mineral wool,
• Fit cavity wall insulation (if you have cavity walls);
• Fit low energy light bulbs in all appropriate light fittings;
• Fit controls for your heating including a room thermostat and a programmer or timer.

Free money to go green! Use it now - before it vanishes. (A UK state funded solar electric fund suddenly vanished without notice in 2009!)

Our MCS solar thermal installer certificate number is NIC 1019 which registers Solar Twin Ltd on the NICEIC MCS Installer Scheme under Solar Thermal Hot Water.