Grants and Financing
This page provides information on funding schemes and links to sites giving full details of how to apply.
Domestic PV Systems
The UK Government has introduced a new subsidy scheme that allows individual householders to obtain contributions towards the cost of installing a PV system on their house. The BERR's Low Carbon Buildings Programme will run over three years and replaces the previous DTI Clear Skies and Solar PV grant programmes. The system has to comply with certain design criteria and be installed by an accredited installer. Full details can be found on the Low Carbon Buildings Programme website.
PV Systems for Public, Commercial and Industrial Buildings
The Low Carbon Buildings Programme can also provide funding to assist with the installation of larger PV systems on commercial buildings. The scheme works by a competitive bid process. Further information can be obtained from the Low Carbon Buildings Programme website.
Phase 2 of the Low Carbon Buildings Programme is also now under way. This phase makes available £50M for the application of PV technology in public buildings and grants are available at a rate of up to 50%. Funding is provided through Framework Providers and it takes only 7 days from the date of application for the grant to be awarded. For further details please visit www.lowcarbonbuildingsphase2.org.uk
Grants for Research & Development
There are a number of organisations and initiatives that provide funding to help progress research and development of PV associated systems.
NStar is a venture finance company that was established through One North East's Strategy for Success to assist independent, ear
ly-stage technology start-ups. Jointly funded by One North East and the European Regional Development Fund, a Proof of Concept fund provides gap funding to help R&D achieve commercial viability. Application forms can be downloaded via
www.northstarei.com/page/guide_to_applicants_12.cfm
Website: www.northstarei.com
Carbon Trust, PV Accelerator is an initiative aimed at speeding up the transfer of advanced solar PV materials from the laboratory to the production line. Several millions of pounds will be available over several years. Formal expressions of interest are sought from consortia by 9th March 2007. For details on how to apply please visit the website.
Website: http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/technology/directedresearch
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships is a scheme available to research institutes and businesses in the UK, which aims to encourage technology transfer between universities and industry. It is managed by the BERR and provides funding to support student deployment into business. For information on how to begin a partnership please visit the website.
Website: www.ktponline.org.uk
EU Framework Programme provides funding for European research and targets those wishign to undertake international collaborations. For details on the recent framework (FP7) please follow the link www.fp6uk.ost.gov.uk/fp7/Default.aspp
BERR Technology Programme hosts a range of competitions for Research & Development collaboration projects and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. Specific technology areas are identified as priority categories for each competition. The Spring competition will open in April 2007 but please check the website for up-to-date information.
