Solar PV Grants

Up until 30th November 2009, grants for PV could be obtained from the Low Carbon Building Programme Phase 2e for community buildings.

Unfortunately, due to unprecedented demand, the LCBP have now closed applications to this stream as all the funding earmarked for solar PV projects (£13 million) has been allocated.

The 2009 budget extended the LCBP-1 and LCBP-2 streams with an additional £45 million and with this a technology 'pot' of £18 million ring-fenced for Solar PV under the LCBP-2 extension was created, which was £5.5 million higher than industry expectations.

One non-government nationwide scheme which could provide your community group with funding for the installation of a PV system is the Groundworks Community Spaces Scheme. This programme helps community groups in England create or improve green, open spaces to enhance people’s quality of life, and is funded by the Big Lottery Fund. Grants start at £10,000.

For more information on this scheme, and to take the eligibility test to see if your group qualifies, click here.

SIG Sustainable Solutions would advise community groups looking to receive a grant for the supply and fitting of PV system to check with their local council for details of any regional schemes they may qualify for.