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Renewable Energy - Groups

By generating renewable energy instead of using conventional energy sources (fossil fuels) you can reduce the amount of CO₂ your community building produces.

Consider installing a renewable energy technology:

• solar thermal panels (to heat your water)
• solar photovoltaic panels (to provide you with electricity)
• wood-fuelled heating system to provide heating and hot water from low-carbon source. More information on biomass and wood-fuelled heating.

Support for installing renewable energy technologies:

Renewable Heat Incentive

Information on the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) - financial incentive to install renewable heat generating technologies.

Feed-in Tariff

Information on the Feed- in Tariff (FIT) - a financial incentive to install electricity-generating renewable energy systems such as solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. 

Top tips consumers should consider when thinking about installing solar panels:

• Get at least 3 quotes whether you are looking to pay for panels upfront or join a ‘rent a roof’ scheme 
• Only use companies who are members of the REAL Assurance Scheme (the Consumer Code for the industry) and certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)
• Do not sign a contract until you are sure you want to go ahead. There is a 7 day cooling off period but you may need longer to shop around and check testimonials
• If you are considering a free solar panel deal make sure you ask the right questions using Consumer Focus’s factsheet
• Make sure you look into making your home as energy efficient as possible such as by installing loft and cavity wall insulation. Whether you decide to install solar panels or not this would be likely to save you at least £100 off your energy bills each year

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme 

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme Scheme (MCS) gives consumers the guarantee that certificated microgeneration products and the installers of those products have conformed to a rigorous set of standards. To qualify for financial incentives such as the the Feed in Tariff (FIT), both the microgeneration product and the installer must carry the MCS mark. It is also recommended, that with any building work, that you get at least 3 quotes. Search for local installers on the Microgeneration Certification Scheme website.

The Mayor's Climate Change Fund

The Mayor's Climate Change Fund is a grant funded scheme set up to support community group projects that will contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions within Bedford Borough. The minimum grant level is £5k, the maximum level you can apply for is £20k and 50% match-funding must be provided.