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Renewables grants - still plenty left

Posted: 04/01/2008

Millions of pounds in renewable energy grants remain unclaimed, according to Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks. The news came as Wicks called for more homes and businesses to adopt a 'go green' new year's resolution. Although small scale renewable energy grants worth some £25 million have been claimed from the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, £11 million still remains in the kitty, and £44 million is still available for schools and public sector bodies.

The grants are intended to assist with the installation of technologies such as solar panels, biomass boilers and ground-source heat pumps.

Kevin Brennan, National Housing Manager, at the VELUX Company Ltd, commenting on Malcolm Wick's call for the nation to 'go green', said "We wholeheartedly support the government's suggestion of a 'go green' New Year's resolution for more homes and businesses and it is excellent news that £11m is still available for householders wanting to generate renewable energy at home. However, more needs to be done to ensure that this money doesn't stay in the coffers of central government, but goes to eco-conscious homeowners and is used as effectively as possible.

"The current subsidy available for solar hot water systems is woefully inadequate at only £400 per household. If the government is really serious about using cash as a catalyst to encourage homeowners to install renewable technology, then the level of subsidy needs to be brought more in line with that in Scotland and Ireland.

"Furthermore, it is imperative that there is consistent quality control of product manufacturing, installation and performance to ensure that renewable energy does not fall into the hands of the cowboy tradesman on the green bandwagon. It is a great shame that the new Microgeneration Certification Scheme, which will evaluate products and installers against robust criteria and was designed to underpin the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, is still not fully functional. It is vital that this new scheme is operational as soon as possible otherwise the 'green' consumer may suffer from substandard products and service at a crucial time in the education process."

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