Today [4 August] the government has published further details on the £2 billion Green Homes Grant scheme, which is due to go live at the end of September. In a win for the industry, solar thermal will be included in the list of technologies eligible for homeowners to invest in, providing support for installers during challenging times, and contributing towards a green economic recovery.
Cam Witten, policy manager at the Solar Trade Association, said: “This is a welcome announcement and a strong endorsement of the important role solar thermal has to play in the decarbonisation of heating. The technology can help households save hundreds of pounds a year on their energy bills, while also reducing their carbon footprint.
“Going forward, we call on the government to include solar PV and energy storage technologies in the Green Homes Grant scheme as well, to maximise carbon reductions and energy bill savings for households, and further accelerate the UK’s economic recovery.”
Under the Green Homes Grant scheme, homeowners will have access to vouchers of up to £5,000 to put towards the cost of home improvements, or for those on lower incomes a 100% grant up to £10,000 will be available for certain work.
Solar thermal installers will need to have Microgeneration Certification Scheme certification in order to carry out the work.
