{"id":2166,"date":"2008-01-09T09:51:36","date_gmt":"2008-01-09T09:51:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/activism\/how-to-install-micro-wind-turbines-and-solar-panels\/2166\/"},"modified":"2008-01-09T09:51:36","modified_gmt":"2008-01-09T09:51:36","slug":"how-to-install-micro-wind-turbines-and-solar-panels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/environmental-news\/how-to-install-micro-wind-turbines-and-solar-panels\/","title":{"rendered":"How To: Install micro wind turbines and solar panels"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a325 million in grants issued for micro wind turbines and solar panels<\/strong><\/p>\n

Small scale renewable energy grants worth some \u00a325 million have now been claimed from the Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP). The news came as Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks called for more homes and business to follow his lead by adopting a \u2018go green\u2019 new year\u2019s resolution.<\/p>\n

His call comes as more and more homes, schools and businesses have been helped with Government grants to install technologies such as solar panels, biomass boilers and ground-source heat pumps.<\/p>\n

Grants claimed under BERR\u2019s Low Carbon Buildings Programme since it launched in April 2006 are up to approximately \u00a325 million:<\/p>\n

* \u00a37.5 million to help 4,600 households generate their own clean and green energy.<\/p>\n

* \u00a318 million for a total of 739 projects on school, community, housing association and business buildings.<\/p>\n

Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks said: “It\u2019s vital that recent efforts by world governments to reach a deal on cutting global carbon emissions are matched by action by each and every one of us. Deciding to go green and generate your own clean energy is one of the most valuable New Year\u2019s resolutions you can make. It is certainly my intention to make a difference, and make my own house more energy efficient and install clean and green electricity.<\/p>\n

“There are still grants available to householders who want to follow in the footsteps of the thousands across the UK who have been helped by the Government to fit microgeneration technology at their homes. Many schools have benefited also and the pupils there have been able to see renewable energy in action and understand more about its important benefits.”<\/p>\n

There are still \u00a311m in grants available under Phase 1 for householders who want to generate renewable energy at home. Schools, charitable bodies and other public sector organisations can apply for a share of the \u00a344m that remains from the original \u00a350m set aside for them under Phase 2.<\/p>\n

It has also been another year of progress for the wider renewable sector.<\/p>\n

* Consent for eight major renewables projects, including the world\u2019s largest biomass plant in Port Talbot; the innovative Wave Hub project off the Cornish coast; the 66MW Fullabrook Down wind farm in Devon and a 450MW offshore wind farm at Walney in the Irish Sea.<\/p>\n

* Announcement by Energy Secretary John Hutton of plans for a massive expansion in offshore wind power. The vast bulk of the seas around the UK are to be covered by a new Strategic Environmental Assessment, opening up the possibility of enough offshore wind to power all of the UK\u2019s homes.<\/p>\n

* The announcement by John Hutton of a feasibility study into the possibility of clean energy generation in the Severn Barrage that could generate up to 5% of the UK\u2019s future electricity.<\/p>\n

In 2008 the momentum will be maintained with the introduction of legislation that will aim to \u2018band\u2019 the Renewables Obligation to bring on more support for less developed renewables technologies such as wave, tidal and offshore wind.<\/p>\n

Background<\/strong><\/p>\n

For more information on the Low Carbon Buildings Programme and to apply for grants click here: http:\/\/www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk\/about\/hfaqs\/\u00a0<\/a> <\/font><\/p>\n

Some successful applicant case studies:
\n<\/strong>
\nChrist Church Chislehurst, Kent<\/strong><\/p>\n

Michael Milton Church Warden.<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.chislehurst-christchurch.diocese-rochester.org<\/a><\/font><\/p>\n


\nGrant \u00a310k of \u00a351k system cost<\/p>\n

6 boreholes; 34kw ground source heat pump system<\/p>\n

The ground source heat pumps will heat the new community building which will be linked to both the church and the refurbished church hall. The church grounds were used for the installation of boreholes and the the new extension incorporated underfloor heating. With the availability of a grant to partially fund the installation, this form of technology also offers a realistic payback period, which off-sets the need to raise additional funds by private individual donations.<\/p>\n

Bute Cottage Nursery School, Penarth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Cery Hoffrock, Headteacher<\/p>\n

butecottns@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a31.7k of \u00a33.5k system cost<\/p>\n

Education of 3 to 5 year olds, community learning for a catchment that includes the whole of Penarth. 80 children are on roll and these children are replaced by 80 new ones each year. The nursery school is committed to conservation & recycling and engages & educates the wider community in joining with it to ensure that it continues to be recognised as an International Green Flag Eco-School.<\/p>\n

Runshaw College, Leyland, Lancs<\/strong><\/p>\n

Grant \u00a327k of \u00a354k system cost<\/p>\n

11kWp Solar PV system<\/p>\n

Further education college, electricity for sports hall, fitness suite, indoor and outdoor changing facilities. Analysis ruled out wind power. The visual presence of Solar PV coupled with the active system monitoring from an educational point of view, the long life of the technology and the opportunity to claim renewable obligation certificates and rewards for any export payments all underlined Solar PV as the right choice.<\/p>\n

Fulston Manor School, Kent
\n<\/strong>
\nClive Johnson, Headmaster<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.solar4schools.co.uk\/schools\/fulston_manor_school.html<\/a><\/p>\n

Grant \u00a310k of \u00a320k system cost<\/p>\n

4kWp Solar PV system<\/p>\n

Tia Greyhound and Lurcher Rescue, Halifax, Yorks<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jean Burchell<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.tiagreyhounds.org.uk\/<\/a><\/p>\n

6kW Proven Wind Turbine<\/p>\n

Grant \u00a310k of \u00a321k system cost<\/p>\n

As the Charity\u2019s name suggests the objects are to provide refuge and veterinary care for dogs in need – in particular Greyhounds and Lurchers. The wind turbine will power the farmhouse which is the charity\u2019s headquarters incorporating living accommodation for the on-site Trustee, office space and housing for older\/sick dogs as well as the kennel block housing in the region of 80 dogs at any one time.<\/p>\n

Source<\/a><\/p>\n

If you have a question that’s not listed below you can post a new one on the Energy Saving Trust’s frequently asked questions database, click here to go to this database<\/a>.<\/font><\/p>\n

A.) What levels of grants will be available?<\/strong>
\nThe current grant levels are as follows and we will regularly review them as the market for each technology develops:<\/font><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u00a0Technology<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n\u00a0Maximum Amount of Grant<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0Solar photovoltaics<\/font><\/td>\nMaximum of \u00a32,000 per kW of installed capacity, subject to an overall maximum of \u00a32,500 or<\/strong> 50% of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0Wind turbines<\/font><\/td>\nMaximum of \u00a31,000 per kW of installed capacity, subject to an overall maximum of \u00a32,500 or<\/strong> 30% of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0Small hydro<\/font><\/td>\nMaximum of \u00a31,000 per kW of installed capacity, subject to an overall maximum of \u00a32,500 or<\/strong> 30% of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Solar thermal hot water<\/font><\/td>\nOverall maximum of \u00a3400 or<\/strong> 30% of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ground source heat pumps<\/font><\/td>\nOverall maximum of \u00a31,200 or<\/strong> 30% of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Automated wood pellet fed room heaters\/stoves<\/font><\/td>\nOverall maximum of \u00a3600 or<\/strong> 20% of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wood fuelled boiler systems<\/font><\/td>\nOverall maximum of \u00a31,500 or<\/strong> 30% of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

B.) Who can apply for a grant?<\/strong>
\nIndividual property owners including private householders can apply for grants from the programme. <\/font>
\nC.) How will the application process work?<\/strong>
\nApplications are accepted on a rolling first-come-first-served basis. <\/font>An outline of the process is as follows:<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Complete the energy efficiency measures required by the programme, obtain planning permission for your installation if necessary and obtain a quote from an accredited installer.\u00a0<\/li>\n
  2. Make an application online.\u00a0<\/li>\n
  3. After receiving a grant offer letter via email, order the equipment and begin installing the technology. The grant validity period varies by technology. See D.) below for more details.<\/li>\n
  4. After you have completed the installation and you have paid the installer, you can submit the claim documents to the Energy Saving Trust.<\/li>\n
  5. The grant claim is checked and, if in order, the grant will be issued within 25 working days of receipt of all the documentation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    <\/font>Applications can be received from properties located within England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland (excluding the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands).<\/font><\/p>\n

    Please note: you should wait until you have received a grant offer letter before commencing the installation.
    \n<\/font><\/p>\n

    D.) How long will my grant be valid for?
    \n<\/strong>Grant validity periods vary by technology. <\/font><\/p>\n

    Installations on existing buildings:
    \n<\/font><\/p>\n