Installing solar panels

[WendyS]

Does anybody know a website which advises what government grants might be available for installing these, wwhether there are officially recommended installers. Also, how much electricity they might save and what the payback period is? Thanks.

[Buenchico]

The DTI's website is a good place to start:
http://www.dti.gov.uk/renewables/renew_1.3.4.htm

That site refers you to the Clear Skies programme for information about grants. This is where things get a little confusing because the Clear Skies site says that the main grant scheme closed on 3rd March. However it also says "With the exception of applications for grants for solar . . ." which suggests that grants for installing solar panels might still be available. If so, the grant is a flat-rate figure (irrespective of the size of the installation) of �400.

I suggest reading through the Clear Skies site and contacting the people behind it for the latest information:
http://www.clear-skies.org/

Chris

[WendyS]

Many thanks Buenchico. Just as we're starting to think seriously about it, looks like we might have missed the boat to qualify for a grant, but we'll keep checking anyway.

[MJDale]

Have a look at the web site of the Energy Savings Trust - it's packed full of useful info and may point you in the right direction

http://www.est.org.uk/