"Installation of renewable energy systems into your home is a great way to dramatically reduce your carbon footprint and electricity bills."
There are a vast variety of different renewable energy technologies available to homeowners. However if you are considering installing a system you should be aware that depending on your house location some systems may not be suitable.
It’s also important to ensure your home is very well insulated before considering these technologies. For more information about renewable energy sources and the type that might be most suited to your location and needs visit the Energy Saving Trust.
Building and Planning Regulations
Certain building and planning regulations must be abided to when installing renewable energy systems. These vary depending on the system being installed. If you are considering an installation please contact the departments on the numbers below:
Building Control: 01482 393817
Planning Services: 01482 393666
Grants for Renewable Energy - Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP)
Householders, businesses, community groups and local authorities are eligible to apply for grants of up to 50% funding for renewable energy equipment and installation. This is a 3 year fund which began in April 2006 and is operated by the ‘Energy Saving Trust’ on behalf of the government. The householder stream of the Low Carbon Buildings Programme has been extended for applications until June 2010
Householders can apply at any time for small scale grants, but there are submission deadlines for medium to large scale projects. Grants are available for the following technologies:
- Solar Photovoltaics
- Wind Turbines
- Small Hydro
- Solar Thermal Hot Water
- Ground Source Heat Pumps
- Bio-energy
- Renewable CHP (Combined Heat Power)
- Micro CHP
- Fuel Cells
In order to be eligible for a grant, it is necessary to use products and installers accredited to the Low Carbon Buildings Programme. Do It Yourself (DIY) installations are not funded. There are a number of energy efficiency measures that you must undertake before you are eligible to apply for a grant, these measures will ensure that you are minimising your energy requirements and are as follows:
- Insulate the whole of the loft of the property to meet current building regulations e.g. 270mm of mineral wool loft insulation or suitable alternative
- Install cavity wall insulation (if you have cavity walls)
- Fit low energy light bulbs in all appropriate light fittings
- Install basic controls for your heating system to include a room thermostat and a programmer or timer.
If you would like to know more about the grants process then either visit the site or phone the helpline number below.
Website: Low Carbon Buildings
Telephone Helpline: 0800 915 7722
Other Grants
East Riding of Yorkshire council works with various partners to provide grants to its residents. These grants regularly change and so for information about what is currently available please contact:
Jane Mears, Senior Environmental Health Officer – East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Tel: 01482 396278
Email: jane.mears@eastriding.gov.uk
