20 February 2007

Green residents throughout the borough have now got an extra incentive to use renewable energy in their homes, thanks to a renewable technology loan from Guildford Borough Council. £3,000 is on offer to homeowners to help install solar panels, wood fuel boilers and ground source heat pumps.

Cllr Jenny Wicks, Lead Councillor for Environment comments:

"We have doubled the loan available to homeowners, to show how important we think it is for more people to use renewable energy. This offers everyone the chance to make their home more environmentally friendly, and save money in the long run."

Renewable energy sources use energy which occurs naturally in our environment and which can't be exhausted. As well as solar and wood fuel sources, small garden wind turbines may also qualify for the loan. Planning permission is required for some installations and residents can get more information from the Development Control team on 01483 444602.

The interest free loan, which is repayable over 5 years, is not means-tested. A list of approved installers is available from the Private Sector Housing team on 01483 444302 or on our website.

A range of grants are also available from the government's Low Carbon Buildings programme to help with the cost.