Limits on microgeneration grants are 'wrong'

There should be no limits on how many microgeneration grants are given out to progressive home owners, according to campaigners from the Solar Trade Association.

At the moment there is a £2,500 cap on grants but that means that many home owners who are tempted to embark on more ambitious, larger-scale improvements, are discouraged.

The government argues that the cap is in place so as not to damage the market for cheap home improvements.

"Solar, thermal and ground floor heat pumps will be fine because [they cost] £400 or £1,200," said David Matthews, the national executive officer of the Solar Trade Association.

"But I think it is a retrogressive step for the industry, because I think it will damage electrical technologies. I think that both electrical and heating microgeneration technologies should support each other and should grow together."

Mr Matthews said that he doesn't think the popularity of these grants will be diminished but that people will turn to smaller wind turbines and photovoltanics than they have been installing in the past.


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