Good for the bank balance and for nature

We are all solar powered by our sun. How to capture and use this energy most efficiently is always the challenge, whether we do it by burning ancient buried plants such as coal or by eating animals which have eaten fresh plants.

The UK sadly falls behind most of Europe when it comes to snug and cosy homes as our builders are not required to provide high levels of insulation or solar power. In recognition of this, the Government has just announced a new grant to pay up to 66 per cent of the cost of insulating our homes - but you’ll have to be quick to get it: work must be completed before next April Fool’s Day!

Using the “Green Homes Grant”, if, for example your property improvements cost £7,500, then you would pay the first £2,500 and the Government would pay the remaining £5,000, up to a maximum of £10,000.

The work must be genuine and carried out by one of the registered installers at www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk/pages/green-homes-grant or Trustmark www.trustmark.org.uk/ghgvs

Decide what’s best for you. Warmer Sussex house plan can help you make a plan https://www.warmersussex.co.uk/get-started and get three quotes. Apply for the grant immediately as installers will be busy!

Someone who’s ahead of the game is Brian Cort, who has selected his quote for a new air source heat pump and applied for his voucher. ”If I can do it, anyone can do it!” he told me. “I’m not an expert. Our oil fired boiler is on its last legs. It’s the worst possible thing for carbon emissions and worldwide oil has almost run out, so I’m delighted that this has cropped up at this time.”

Other measures which the Government will help pay for include the “air tightness test”, draught proofing, secondary, double or triple glazing, front doors, hot water tank insulation, smart controls, intelligent thermostats and wall or loft insulation.

Although solar panels aren’t included in the scheme, Solar Together is fortunately offering group buying schemes in Sussex.

So, will your hard-earned wages float through the roof, drift out under your front door or help create a forever cosy glow?

More detailed information is available in a friendly blog and podcast, available freely on https://www.sussexgreenliving.co.uk/green-homes-grants-explained/. What have you got to lose except for cold feet?

Forthcoming event: Wednesday 29th October 7-8pm using Zoom our Horsham Future Forum will be looking at how you can save money on home energy, change to clean renewable energy and help the planet. Book your free ticket here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/sussex-green-livinghorsham-climate-cafe-30023845980