£1,000 council grants, (and a possible further £400 in government grant), are now available to homeowners* to help with the cost of installing solar water heating systems.
Councillor Don Turner, Chair of Brighton & Hove Housing Committee said, “This new council grant is a major step forward in encouraging the use of renewable energy in Brighton & Hove by making the installation of solar water heating more affordable. Householders who install a solar water system can save a lot on their fuel bills whilst also doing their bit to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases”.
The funding for this eco-friendly new project is the result of partnership working between the Brighton & Hove Energy Action Partnership, Climate Energy Limited, and Brighton & Hove City Council. This partnership has already won several awards for administering grants to substantially improve up to 1000 city residents’central heating systems and insulation since the energy efficiency partnership started in 2004.
Funding for this scheme is limited and a number of enquiries have already been received. The availability of grants is therefore subject to the level of demand.
Full advice and guidance on all aspects of solar hot water heating systems and the grant application process is available from trained advisors by telephoning the partnership free on 0800 107 4100.
Editors note
* the scheme is available to owner-occupiers and leaseholders. Private landlords who are accredited under the council’s approved scheme, or who own registered or licensed houses in multiple occupation may also apply.
Further help is available to applicants who are aged 60 or over and in receipt a qualifying means tested benefit. For such applicants the council grant might be increased to cover the whole cost of the works (up to a maximum total of £5,500).
Installation work is carried out under the grant scheme by fully accredited, vetted and monitored local installers using high quality components that are guaranteed for parts and labour for a full two years.
All grants are subject to the suitability of the property and the need to obtain planning permission and building regulations consent where required.