How Do I Apply for a Grant for Solar Panel Installation
Solar energy is a vastly discussed subject and as the benefits are becoming clearer and the knowledge of the subject is building; solar panels have started to become the favoured source of power used as an alternative to fossil fuels and natural gases.
Solar panels are available to either provide electricity to your home or business or heat water in the property. They are able to save you money on constantly increasing energy bills and cut down on carbon emissions which are harmful to the environment. A common question for anyone looking to make the move towards solar energy is: “how do I apply for a grant for solar panel installation?” If people are given help from the government or independent sources towards the payment of panels they are more likely to have panels installed, fortunately the government has financial incentives in place to make solar panels all the more appealing.
The feed-in tariff for solar energy
Solar PV panels are able to generate electricity from the sun’s energy; these panels are also eligible for a government scheme called the feed-in tariff (FIT). The good news for any asking “how do I apply for a grant for solar panel installation?” is that as long as you install a system between now and 25 years in the future which produces 5MW of power then you are automatically eligible without need for application.
The feed-in tariff scheme was introduced in April 2010, before this time grants were accessible from the low carbon buildings programme that were able to fund some of costs towards solar panel installation in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The feed in tariff is designed to allow anyone producing their own electricity to receive payment for their unused power which is pumped back into the national grid. The payments will amount to around £1000 per year for the 25 years in which the scheme is in place. When the cost of installation amounts to around £8000-£14000, the financial benefits are great.
Most of the leading installers are able to take care of any red tape to ensure that you receive the payments you are entitled to from the feed-in tariff.
To be eligible for the feed-in tariff scheme, you must buy your solar panels outright; this will mean paying the £8000-£14000 upfront. There is another option for people cannot afford to do this, with some companies able to provide free panels.
Free Solar Panels
A growing number of solar energy companies are offering the chance for people to have solar panels free of charge. This is a good option for anyone asking “how do I apply for a grant for solar panel installation?” and is not able to afford to buy outright. This will allow you to save on energy bills but waive your entitlement to feed-in tariff payments.
If possible the best answer to “how do I apply for a grant for solar panel installation?” is to stump up for the panels yourself and reap the rewards of the feed-in tariff which can earn you double you initial investment.
