How to Earn from Your Renewable Energy: A Complete Guide to the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

The SEG is a financial incentive that rewards individuals or businesses for exporting surplus electricity generated from renewable sources back to the National Grid. It applies to various renewable technologies, including solar panels, wind turbines, micro-CHP, hydro, and anaerobic digestion. This initiative is part of the UK’s effort to boost the use of clean energy and reduce carbon emissions.   Are You Eligible? To benefit from the SEG, here are the key eligibility criteria you need to meet:   Applying for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) If you meet the eligibility criteria, here’s how you can apply for the SEG and start earning from your renewable energy system: The Smart Export Guarantee is a fantastic way for renewable energy generators to get rewarded for their contribution to a cleaner, more sustainable future. By understanding the scheme, ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria, and selecting the right SEG licensee, you can make an informed decision that benefits both the environment and your wallet. If you’re on the fence about installing renewable energy technology, the SEG might just tip the scales in favor of making that green investment.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

Under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you can obtain a grant that helps subsidise the cost of replacing old fossil fuel heating systems with more sustainable alternatives like heat pumps or biomass boilers. These fossil fuel systems include those powered by oil, gas, electricity, or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas).   Are You Eligible? To be eligible for this grant, you need to meet several criteria: Prior energy efficiency improvements in your property do not affect your eligibility. Checking Your Property’s Eligibility Your property must have a current Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) without any pending recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation. Note that from early May 2024, the eligibility criteria will change, allowing properties with outstanding insulation recommendations to qualify. If you’re uncertain about whether a low carbon heating system is right for your property, consulting an MCS certified installer can provide clarity on your options. Eligibility for Biomass Boilers You could be eligible for a grant for a biomass boiler if: However, grants are not available for biomass boilers in self-built properties. Ineligible Properties Grants are not available for: For new builds still under construction by developers, no grants are offered. But if you’ve moved into a newly completed home with a fossil fuel boiler, you might be eligible for a heat pump grant. Self-Built Property Eligibility If you’ve built the property yourself or contracted someone to do so, and it has never been owned by a business or organisation, it may qualify. Proof of self-build status, like title deeds, will be required.   Applying for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) To apply, check your eligibility for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme with our MCS certified installers and the installer will apply on your behalf and deduct the grant amount from your installation cost.  Following your application, Ofgem will reach out to confirm the installer’s representation and may conduct checks on the installation. MCS may also perform separate verifications.

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

The SEG is a financial incentive that rewards individuals or businesses for exporting surplus electricity generated from renewable sources back to the National Grid. It applies to various renewable technologies, including solar panels, wind turbines, micro-CHP, hydro, and anaerobic digestion. This initiative is part of the UK’s effort to boost the use of clean energy and reduce carbon emissions.   Are You Eligible? To benefit from the SEG, here are the key eligibility criteria you need to meet:   Applying for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) If you meet the eligibility criteria, here’s how you can apply for the SEG and start earning from your renewable energy system: The Smart Export Guarantee is a fantastic way for renewable energy generators to get rewarded for their contribution to a cleaner, more sustainable future. By understanding the scheme, ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria, and selecting the right SEG licensee, you can make an informed decision that benefits both the environment and your wallet. If you’re on the fence about installing renewable energy technology, the SEG might just tip the scales in favor of making that green investment.

Home Upgrade Grant

The Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 is a program supported by the Government and managed by local authorities, targeting homes without gas heating. This initiative provides no-cost energy-efficient improvements for homeowners who find it difficult to afford their heating bills and maintain a warm home in winter. These improvements, offered at no charge, are designed to help residents warm their homes more effectively, reduce energy use, and control heating costs. Eligibility extends to homeowners, tenants, and landlords with tenants. It’s important to note that in rental situations, both the tenant and the landlord must agree before any improvements are made.*   Are You Eligible? To qualify for the Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2), applicants must be:       AND       AND What improvements can I receive? The program can provide: A detailed property survey will outline all the potential improvements for your property. Who funds and implements these improvements? The improvements are funded by the Government and coordinated by the Greater South East Net Zero Hub and local authorities. A specialist company, selected by us, will manage and implement the energy improvements in your home.

Energy Company Obligation scheme (ECO4)

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government initiative aimed at improving energy efficiency in homes across Great Britain. Launched in 2013, the scheme has undergone several updates, with the latest being ECO4, running from 2022 to 2026. This guide aims to help you understand whether you’re eligible, the benefits you can reap, and the application process.   Are You Eligible? Criteria: Is you or is someone in your household receiving certain benefits*, such as Income Support, Universal Credit, or Child Benefit?If so, you may be eligible. Income caps do apply, and are adjusted to 2022 figures, to ensure support reaches those in need Type of claimant 1  2  3  3  Single  £19,900 £24,800 £29,600 £34,500 Couple  £27,500 £32,300 £37,200 £42,000 *Income based Jobseekers allowance, Income related Employment & Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credits, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit Savings Credit.Process and Application:   Innovation and Support Under ECO4 Innovation Measures: ECO4 introduces innovative measures (IMs), aiming to encourage advancements in energy efficiency. These include uplifts for products demonstrating significant improvements, thus fostering industry innovation and providing better options for consumers. Additional Support: The scheme focuses on comprehensive support, ensuring that the least energy-efficient homes, typically occupied by low-income families, receive necessary upgrades. This aligns with the broader Sustainable Warmth Strategy, aiming for long-term environmental and economic benefits. The ECO4 scheme is designed to help improve energy efficiency and help in reducing fuel poverty in regions such as the Midlands and across Great Britain. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process, households can take significant steps towards a warmer, more energy-efficient home. If you believe you may qualify, reaching out to [?an obligated energy supplier?] can be the first step towards potential transformative improvements for your home and wellbeing.