The North and West Kent Councils have set up the Sunrise grant scheme using Regional Housing Board and local funding to support and encourage the installation of domestic, solar hot water systems.

The Sunrise grant provides £1,500 to residents and is in addition to potential government funding of up to £400 from the Low Carbon Building Programme.

The new funding means that anybody wishing to install this renewable technology would benefit from a potential £1900 saving off the installed cost of a system. With systems typically costing £4,000, residents could find themselves benefitting from half price systems.

Residents in Ashford, Dartford, Maidstone, Medway, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling and Tunbridge Wells are eligible for the grant.

Solar water heating works by using energy from the sun to heat liquid in a roof mounted panel which in turn heats water in the hot water cylinder. Solar water heating systems will still heat water on cloudy days. When there is not sufficient energy from the sun, the temperature is topped up by the boiler or immersion heater to provide hot water for use in the home.

The grant is being managed by Creative Environmental Networks who can provide a free quotation from a network of UK Microgeneration Scheme approved installers and will check the quotation for value and suitability.

The scheme aims to support residents who want to be less reliant on the traditional sources, and costs, of energy. Solar thermal is particularly attractive for households who do not have mains gas and consequently have expensive water heating bills.

To apply for a grant please contact Creative Environmental Networks on 0800 294 2848.