Low Carbon Building Program, Phase 2. 50% Grants, for the installation of heat microgeneration technologies, are available to public sector buildings (including schools, hospitals, housing associations and local authorities) and charitable bodies.
Since 1st July 2009. Organisations may apply for up to 50% of the cost of installing approved technologies up to a maximum of £200,000 (though maximum grant levels may depend on the nature of the organisation).
The extended programme will continue to provide grant funding to charitable organisations, community groups and the public sector. The upper limit for heat technologies has been raised to 300kW. There will be a £13 million pot for solar PV. All other technologies will benefit from the remaining £21 million.
The programme is now open to all products and installer companies registered on the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). In terms of the additional products this also includes Solar Keymark for solar thermal collectors, and the Environmental Technology List (ETA part of the Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme) for biomass boilers and heat pumps rated above 45kW and up to 300kW thermal.
There will be no need to get planning permission to install devices like solar panels, ground and water source heat pumps and biomass systems.
Relaxation of the planning rules for micro wind and air source heat pumps is expected to follow shortly. Speaking during a visit to Hampton Hill Junior School in Richmond, Middlesex, which received a Government grant towards the cost of installing solar panels, Mr Wicks said. "Many people tell me they want to do their bit to help combat climate change but are put off by the hassle involved. These changes remove those barriers.