The department of trade and industry has funded an initiative called the Low Carbon Building Programme. This replaced the ClearSkies programme from April 2006. This scheme entitles homeowners and not for profit organisations to financial help with a solar heating system when installed by an approved installer. Householders can apply for a grant of £400 regardless of system size after meeting certain requirements.

Full details and an application form can be found at the Low Carbon Building Programme website.

At the present time the installation of Solar heating systems attract a reduced rate currently set at 5%. This rate applies to the solar collectors, pumps, controllers and all pipe work, and the hot water cylinder if one is installed.