Funding for solar water heating
Planning permission for solar panels
From 6th April 2008 new UK Government legislation rules that, unless within a conservation area or on a listed building, the installation will not require planning permission and will be classed as a permitted development.
More information is available on the websites for Communities and Local Government and the Energy Savings Trust website.
Website for Communities and Local Government
Energy Savings Trust’s advice on planning permission
Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)
The MCS is an independent scheme certifying microgeneration products and installers. It is supported by the Department of Energy and Climate Change.
Our solar water heating panels are certified for the MCS.
Visit the MCS website to find out more information including grant schemes and planning considerations for microgeneration products.
Website for the Microgeneration Certification Scheme
Solar Keymark and MCS reference codes for Worcester’s solar water heating
We can confirm that Worcester’s solar water heating products are Solar Key Mark approved and accepted for grant funding by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.
| Company | Collector name | License no. |
|---|---|---|
| Worcester, Bosch Group | Worcester FKC-1S/FKC-1W | 011-7S1172 F |
| Worcester, Bosch Group | Worcester FKT-1S/FKT-1W | 011-7S1171 F |
| Bosch Thermotechnology Ltd | Worcester Solar Lux 6, 12 | 011-7S1504 R |
| Bosch Thermotechnology Ltd | Worcester Solar-Lito | 011-751610 F |
| Bosch Thermotechnology Ltd | Worcester Solar-Lito Mini | 011-7S1713 F |
| Bosch Thermotechnology Ltd | Worcester Solar Lifestyle Portrait | 011-751610 F |
| Bosch Thermotechnology Ltd | Worcester Solar Lifestyle Landscape | 011-7S1720 F |
Building Regulations for solar water heating panels
Building Control supervision may be required for some types of roof, particularly where load-bearing capacity is in question or where considerable ageing of structure is evident.
VAT
All professionally installed renewable technologies, including solar thermal and heat pumps, qualify for a reduced rate of VAT (5%). This reduced VAT rate applies to components and installation costs.
Solar water heating panels and controls for central heating and hot water are included in the list of products qualifying for lower rates of VAT.
If the installer is VAT registered, the scheme works as follows:
- The installer purchases the equipment from the merchant who will add VAT
- The installer recovers the VAT from H.M. Customs & Excise in the normal way
- The installer charges the customer 5% on the supply and installation of the qualifying equipment
- The installer pays 5% to H.M. Customs and Excise
- The net cost to the installer is nil
Visit HM Revenue and Customs website to find out more about reduced VAT on energy-saving materials.
HM Revenue and Customs website
Grants and Discounts database from the EST
The Energy Saving Trust website offers a database for finding a grant or discount for improving energy efficiency of your home.
Grant and discount information from the EST
Grants for Northern Ireland
Action Renewables
The Action Renewables website offers advice and grant programmes and is a lead partner in the Renewable Energy Installer Acadamy (REIA) which is a training and registration body.
Action Renewables’ information on grants
Further information
The Energy Saving Trust
The Energy Saving Trust offers free, impartial, expert advice about home energy efficiency and local grant schemes.
To contact your local Energy Savings Trust advice centre call 0800 512 012 or visit their website.
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