Grants are available for some projects and these can offset a considerable amount of the project cost. While most grant applications involve large amounts of work and technical knowledge of the project, SEI will help with completing the forms. Where proxy submissions are allowed, SEI will complete the application forms on your behalf: Our experience with applications ensures a high chance of securing funding.

The Low Carbon Buildings Programme

The major source of funding for small renewable energy projects in the UK is through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme. The scheme is funded by the DBERR (formerly the DTI) and administered by BRE and EST, and will run into the first half of 2008.

The scheme funds a portion of the cost of most types of renewable energy generation projects: Solar (PV & SWH), wind turbines, hydro-power, GSHP and biomass generators. Systems must be designed and installed by an accredited firm, and the main components must be from a list of approved products. The scheme is split into several areas based on the client's sector:

• Phase 1
  Domestic clients
  Up to £2,500 per project, limited by a maximum percentage of the final cost and system size, depending on technology
• Phase 1 - Stream 1
  Community groups
  (This stream has now closed)
• Phase 1 - Stream 2
  Commercial organisations
  (This stream has now closed)
• Phase 2
  Public and charitable sector organisations
  A maximum percentage of the final project cost, depending on technology and restricted to projects of up to 50kW. The contract by the client must be with one of the Framework Suppliers appointed by DBERR, who may then subcontract the work to partner. Maximum percentages are: PV - 50%, GSHP & Hydro - 35%, Wind & SWH - 30%.

Sustainable Energy Installations is a fully accredited installer under the Low Carbon Building Programme (LCBP), and has reached agreements with some of the Framework Suppliers, and as such can offer projects under both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the scheme. Please contact us to discuss the grants available for your project.

SEI will help as far as possible with the grant application, and where possible can submit the application on the client's behalf. The LCBP is the successor to the successful Clear Skies scheme and the Major Photovoltaics Demonstration Programme, during which SEI was exceptionally successful at obtaining funding for clients' projects.

Please note that this information was correct at the time of release, and that there are additional restrictions beyond those listed here. Grant money is released only on presentation of a paid final invoice, so sufficient liquid funds for the full project need to be available until after completion. For the latest information about the grant scheme please refer to the LCBP website.

Alternative and Additional Funding

Other sources of funding are available for schemes that cannot obtain sufficient funding through the LCBP, for example from the energy utilities or local authority initiatives. Often these require evidence that the project will  benefit the community to some extent, and that alternative funding has been sought. These funds are generally aimed at community projects, rather than domestic installations or commercial developments.

A good resource for finding alternative funds is the CAfE database, which is run by the EST. SEI will help with the funds application process, and where allowed within the rules of the scheme will put together the application on behalf of the client.