Grants for solar panels – what Government help is available?

Check out the latest solar panel grants so you can benefit from renewable energy at a lower cost. While fewer projects are available now than in years past, homeowners still have access to funds to cover installation costs. And since these can cost thousands of pounds, it’s an option worth considering.

Choosing solar panels for your home can be a complicated process. Not all homes are suitable for panels, and different types of panels are best for different properties. But solar panels can play a big role in your energy bill. According to the Energy Savings Trust, a typical home with a 3.5kW peak system can save between £170 and £445 a year.

Below are the current systems for funding solar panels, and we’ll take a look at the key things you need to know about how they work.

Can you get free solar panel funding in 2022?

Before the shutdown in 2019, the government had been using a tariff system for energy companies to buy solar panels. They will even install them on your roof and you can benefit from the free electricity provided.

You can save a lot on solar panels with a grant, but most homeowners can’t get solar panels for free.

What types of solar panels are available through the sponsorship program?

In this article, you will notice two differences between solar panels: photovoltaic panels, which generate electricity from sunlight, and solar thermal panels, which generate heat for use in a hot water tank. friend.

How much can I expect to pay without benefits?

So how much do solar panels cost? Our detailed guide will explain more, but you can expect to pay £5,000 to £8,000 for a PV system and £4,000 to £5,000 for solar heating, according to Checkatrad.

Those numbers may seem tiny, but their impact on energy savings could be significant, he said. Jack Sutcliffe, co-founder Current inventory“Especially with the skyrocketing energy bills we are seeing today, all the ways to help improve energy efficiency are very valuable. Solar panels are definitely worth it. They fall into this category; they are an efficient and green energy source that can Significantly reduces operating costs.

What grants will be available for solar panels in 2022?

1. Obligations of energy companies

The obligation of the energy company, the ECO system, is a requirement for energy suppliers to more than 150,000 customers to reduce the cost of heating their homes by installing energy-saving innovations.

This financing is a priority for low-income and disadvantaged households because it can help those living in energy poverty who would otherwise struggle to purchase solar panels. . The latest version of the system, started in 2013 (ECO3), will run until March 2022 before being replaced by ECO4, which continues to subsidize solar panels.

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible for ECO funding if you receive certain benefits, but it’s important to know that eligibility conditions may change in April when ECO3 becomes ECO4.The full recommended eligibility criteria can be found at Government Energy Company Obligation to Report.

You may also be eligible if you receive Discounted warm home. (helping poor households) or if you live in a household with an Energy Efficiency Certificate (EPC) of D or lower. You must own your own home or have permission from your landlord to qualify.

How to register?

fill out the questionnaire at eco3.org.uk Assess your eligibility. If you qualify, you can order a technician to inspect your home. They will evaluate which improvements will best improve their energy efficiency.

How much can you save?

In ECO3, energy companies can choose the financing they offer, as well as the installers who do the work. This means that while you can save around £6,000 (the typical cost of a solar panel), the amount you have available depends on your qualifications and how efficient you are when installing solar panels on your home.

2. Renewable thermal excitation (RHI)

RHI is a government system that is said to promote the use of renewable energy. Solar panels are eligible for this system as long as they are certified under the Microbiological Certification Scheme (MCS). This is important and you will need this information as part of the registration process.

The program will end in March 2022, so please receive your application as soon as possible. The boiler upgrade program, which will replace the RHI from April 1, does not directly support solar thermal. However, the government said some solar panels could be installed as part of a system-funded heat pump system.

Who is eligible?

You can apply if you live in England, Scotland or Wales and own your own home. Self-built homes are also eligible.

How to register?

Owners can register by gem website. However, before you receive payment, the EPC must be completed and any recommendations such as additional insulation must be installed.

How much can you save?

Payments provided by the system will be repaid within seven years. But the financing, and therefore the money saved, is based on estimates of the performance of the solar system.

3. Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

Launched in 2020, the SEG replaces feed-in tariffs and requires energy providers with more than 150,000 customers to pay homeowners for unused solar power. This means you already have solar panels installed, but the SEG rate can still save you on your electricity bill.

Who is eligible?

Homeowners with MCS-certified solar panels may be eligible. But you’ll also need to install a registered smart meter to track how much electricity you’re using.

How to register?

You can register with your energy provider; for example, this is the SSE Smart Export Guarantee Application Form. Should read Ofgem Generator Brochure first.

How much can you save?

SEG really has that extra “how much can I make?”. While this may depend on factors such as your electricity consumption and export taxes, households with the highest GHG bills can save £82 a year. who?

James Andrews, Senior Personal Finance Editor Money.co.ukhe said: “People may dismiss the idea of ​​solar panels because they think the UK’s often grey skies can’t generate enough energy.” However, the panels continue to generate electricity even on cloudy days.

“That’s a good thing because the Smart Export Guarantee means households can get paid for solar production. It may not be as generous as the tax system. It replaces the point of view, but it still means that energy you don’t need needs to be used by yourself and it’s not Total waste.

4. VAT discount

In a statement in the spring of March 2022, Foreign Minister Rishi Sunak announced that VAT will be removed from energy saving measures. This is one of their plans to tackle high energy bills and will apply to all solar panels, electric heat pumps and insulation installed over the next 5 years.

Solar UK has been lobbying the government to ensure all solar and energy storage technologies are eligible for zero tax rates, which he believes will encourage investment in green housing.

Kevin McCann, Policy Director Solar UK explain. “We also urge the government to work with solar and other low carbon industries to build long-term retrofit support systems for homeowners and renters. All technologies. Non-carbon users should have access to these supports, including solar thermal, thermal, energy storage and CO2 .

Are the feedrates still available?

Pay homeowners an input fee to use their solar panels to generate electricity. Unfortunately, it closed for all new apps on March 31, 2019.

Are Green Home Grants still available?

The short-lived Green Home Grant provides homeowners with up to £10,000 to spend on improving energy efficiency. Solar thermal panels are included as the preferred measure, but tHis plans were canceled in March 2021.

Systems provided by the local government continue to finance the photovoltaic panels. It is available for households with an EPC rating of D, E, F or G with a gross annual income of less than £30,000.

If not, how can I get my money back from my solar panel?

If you already have solar panels installed at an entry-level price, you can sell for that price, a process called a solar equity release. Some energy providers offer homeowners a one-time payment in exchange for remaining costs and additional production. If you go this route, it’s best to shop around for the best price.