Most government grants and incentives are targeted at those on low incomes, though the Boiler Upgrade Scheme does not set income criteria. Policy is evolving in this area and we recommend checking the current state of play with relevant authorities or providers.
Smart export guarantee
Feed In Tariff (FIT) payments for generating electricity, which have supported the growth of domestic solar generation in recent years, were abolished on 31 March 2019. In June 2019 the government announced a scheme for ensuring that surplus electricity generated from domestic and other small scale renewable sources would be paid for when fed into the national grid. Information on prices available from various commercial energy suppliers, and on matters relating to installation of solar panels can be found at the Solar Trade Association web site.
Energy Company Obligations (ECO)
There are still some grants available towards the cost of making your home more energy efficient; for example, towards the cost of a new boiler, heating system, or insulation. These grants are provided through the Energy Company Obligation, a government regulation that requires energy suppliers to assist low income customers with energy efficiency measures. Eligible households can get grants through the ECO scheme to cover the cost of cavity wall or loft insulation, and towards other improvements like new boilers. From Summer 2023 households in Council Tax bands A-D will be able to access ECO+ funding.
Other households may also be entitled to support with the cost of cavity or solid wall insulation (including “hard-to-treat” cavity walls), and loft insulation.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides a grant of up to £5,000 to replace your gas boiler with an Air Source Heat Pump. Your property will need to have a valid EPC with no outstanding recommendations of cavity wall or loft insulation.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
All these schemes rely on an initial assessment of the energy efficiency of the home, and in particular an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). An example of an EPC is in the Energy and Comfort pages.
EPCs are required for all homes bought, sold or rented in the UK and they contain valuable information on options to make properties more energy efficient. EPCs are also part of grant assessment processes. An EPC contains assessments of walls, roof, floors, windows, lighting and heating and hot water, with overall ratings for current and potential energy efficiency. The ratings range from A (Very Efficient) to G (Inefficient), with indicative costs and savings for the measures that would improve the score (see: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/home-energy-efficiency/energy-performance-certificates).