Energy Minister Brian Wilson has launched the Clear Skies scheme, giving homeowners and community organisations access to £10 million of government money to fund renewable energy schemes.
The scheme is run by the Building Research Establishment.

Those eligible for the grants include housing associations, schools, local authorities, charities and hospitals. The renewable energies being promoted are solar thermal, wind, small-scale hydro, biomass and ground source heat pumps. Grants are up to £100 000 or 50%, whichever is lower.

Funding is also available for feasibility studies up to 75% of cost, and up to a maximum of £10 000. Homeowners can obtain grants between £500 and £5000.

One result of the scheme should be that photovoltaic systems are installed on 3000 homes and 140 medium to large non-domestic buildings. This would create a total of 9 MWp-installed capacity.

Grants will only be given where a credited installer is used. The Clear Skies scheme is now calling for installers to apply for accreditation. This involves a vetting process, checking of two of their installations by Clear Skies inspectors, and working to a code of practice.

Installers with less experience can become accredited via a mentoring route – their work will be commissioned by an experienced, accredited installer. See www.clear-skies.org for more information.

Source

Building Sustainable Design