£1,000 Solar grant available for Shepway residents

6.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 6th Aug 2008

House fitted with thermodynamic and photovoltaic panels

The Kent Energy Centre is currently working with Shepway Council to promote the Solar Renewable Grant Scheme for residents who may be interested in purchasing solar hot water or solar electricity equipment. The scheme offers a £1,000 grant towards the installed cost of solar electric or solar hot water systems.

The Kent Energy Centre (KEC), a not for profit organisation that has a proven track record in providing sustainable energy advice to the domestic sector, has been tasked with promoting and managing the scheme in partnership with the Council.

The £1,000 grant can also be combined with government funding which is made available through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP). The LCBP can provide an additional £400 for solar hot water systems and a maximum of £2,500 for photovoltaics.

Lib Dem Shepway District Councillor for Cheriton Tim Prater welcomed the scheme. He said:

"Schemes that help local residents take advantage of cheap power in one of the sunniest areas of the country are a great idea.

"With seemingly ever-rising power bills, solar panels for electric or hot water could make a real contribution to reducing household fuel bills and have a big impact of reducing reliance on fossil fuels."

Because this is a pilot project grant availability is limited. Interested residents are encouraged to contact the Kent Energy Centre on 0800 358 6669 for assistance.