A local community group has made an appeal to allow homeowners to install solar powered hot water systems for half the normal price.
Bristol 24-7 reports that the Let’s Go Solar scheme has been started by a group in St Werburgh’s, Bristol. The intention is to help residents interested in energy saving achieve their aims without being hugely out of pocket.
Not-for-profit group Ashley Vale Action Group currently offers solar-powered hot water heating systems at a cost of £2,500.
A government fund of £3 million to help with the installation of carbon reducing technologies in the home was accessed by Let’s Go Solar, which was the only group in Bristol to do successfully do so. An additional 37 groups across the country were also able to benefit from the money allocated from the UK government.
As the solar hot water systems must be installed by the end of March, the group is currently campaigning across Bristol so that eligible householders know about the offer and can begin the process as soon as possible.
Homes in deprived areas are more encouraged to take up the scheme, with St Agnes, St Pauls, Lockleaze, Eastville, Easton. Ashley Down, St Werburgh’s, Knowle, Hartcliffe and Fishponds identified as potential locations.
For those who miss out on the scheme, there are now more government alternatives to help cut the costs of installing energy efficient methods.
The recently announced Green Deal offers subsidies and loans to households interested in cutting their carbon emissions. Subject to assessment and professional recommendation, technologies such as solar water heating and solar panels can be installed with loans repaid from the savings made on current energy bills.
Households across the UK can also benefit from the government’s feed in tariff, which offers cash rewards for any energy generated that can be fed back into the National Grid. Despite coming under recent controversy, the scheme has now been settled and consumers can again benefit from the generous incentive.