What You Need to Know
With the rising importance of renewable energy, many homeowners and businesses in Northern Ireland are looking into solar panel installations to cut down on electricity costs and reduce carbon footprints. Although there are currently no grants for domestic solar panel installations, there have been several grants available for commercial installations. This article delves into the history and current state of grants for solar panels in Northern Ireland, including information on the now-defunct Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) scheme, recent commercial grants, and eligibility criteria.
Current Commercial Grants
While domestic solar panel installations currently lack direct grant support, businesses in Northern Ireland can still benefit from various grants to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption. Two notable grants are the Power NI grant and the Invest NI Energy Efficiency Capital Grant (EECG).
Power NI Grant
Power NI previously offered a grant that contributed up to 20% of the costs for commercial solar panel installations. This initiative helped many businesses reduce their upfront costs and encouraged the adoption of renewable energy solutions. Although this specific grant is no longer available, it set a precedent for subsequent commercial grants aimed at promoting energy efficiency.
Invest NI Energy Efficiency Capital Grant (EECG)
Invest NI is currently offering the Energy Efficiency Capital Grant (EECG) to help businesses cut energy costs and enhance resilience. This grant provides up to £150,000 for the installation of energy-efficient equipment, including solar panels.
To be eligible for the EECG, businesses must meet the following criteria:
Be a registered company based in Northern Ireland.
Have been trading for at least two years.
Implement the project at premises registered for business rates with Land and Property Services.
Own the premises or have a rental agreement that exceeds the project’s payback period.
Some business exclusions apply, so it is essential to check the detailed eligibility requirements on the Invest NI website. https://www.investni.com/support-for-business/energy-efficiency-capital-grant.
The End of Domestic Grants: The ROCs Scheme
The Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) scheme was a significant financial incentive for domestic solar panel installations in Northern Ireland. Running until 2017, ROCs provided homeowners with payments for generating renewable electricity. The amount received was based on the number of certificates earned, with one ROC issued for every megawatt-hour (MWh) of eligible renewable electricity generated.
However, the ROCs scheme ended in 2017, leaving no direct grants or financial incentives for domestic solar panel installations. For those who still benefit from the ROCs scheme, it’s crucial to note that any changes to their existing solar system can result in the cessation of ROC payments. While modifying the system is prohibited, adding home storage batteries, such as the Duracell home battery, is permissible and can enhance the efficiency of the existing setup. There is currently no way to get free solar panels in Northern Ireland. Homeowners must be aware that while there are cost-saving opportunities, free solar panels are not available.
Maximising Your Solar Investment
For businesses and homeowners alike, it is essential to maximise the efficiency and benefits of solar panel installations. Adding complementary technologies such as My Energi Zappi Car Charger and My Energi Immersion Heater Controller can significantly enhance the overall system's performance. These devices ensure that excess solar energy is effectively utilised, reducing reliance on the grid and lowering electricity bills.
Home Storage Batteries
One of the best ways to optimise your solar energy usage is by installing home storage batteries. These batteries store excess solar energy generated during the day, allowing you to use it during non-sunny hours or peak consumption times to increase your energy independence.
Solar Panel Suppliers in Northern Ireland
Choosing reputable solar panel suppliers and installers is crucial to ensure that your system performs optimally and meets all necessary standards. Solarfix, as Northern Ireland's leading solar panel installer, offers high-quality products and expert installation services. With over 2,000 installations and a dedicated team with over 20 years of experience, Solarfix ensures that your solar investment is in safe hands.
Environmental and Financial Benefits
Solar panels offer several significant benefits, both financial and environmental. By generating your electricity, you reduce your reliance on the grid, leading to substantial cost savings. Additionally, solar power is environmentally friendly, as it reduces the need to burn fossil fuels, thereby lowering carbon emissions. Over the past nine years, Solarfix installations have saved Northern Ireland over 4 million kilograms of carbon.
Conclusion
While there are currently no grants available for domestic solar panel installations in Northern Ireland, the opportunities for commercial installations remain robust. The Invest NI Energy Efficiency Capital Grant provides substantial financial support to businesses looking to adopt renewable energy solutions. By leveraging these grants and investing in complementary technologies like home storage batteries, businesses and homeowners can maximise the benefits of their solar panel systems.
Solarfix remains committed to promoting renewable energy and supporting customers in their solar journeys. For more information on solar panel installations, grants, and complementary technologies,
contact Solarfix at 0800 246 5198 or visit www.solarfix.co.uk and click here to complete their contact form. Choose Solarfix for a brighter, greener, and more sustainable future.
