Implementation

The new Low Carbon Buildings Programme forms part of the above mentioned Microgeneration Strategy and provides grants for microgeneration technologies including PV for householders, community organisations, schools, the public sector and businesses. The UK wide scheme aims to demonstrate how energy efficiency and small scale renewables will work hand in hand to create low carbon buildings. Minimum energy efficiency standards must be met before applying for a grant. Up to 50% funding will be available from for new PV projects, subject to maximum levels per kW. Larger projects compete for funding in quarterly funding rounds.

The annual installed PV capacity in 2006 was 3390 kWp. This compares to 2713 kWp in 2005 and 2261 kWp in 2004. The cumulative installed PV generation capacity increased by 31 % during 2006 reaching a total of 14.26 MWp. Further information can be obtained from the latest National Status Report.

PV installer training as part of the nationally recognised course (Photo: IT Power)