Going green in Hertsmere

Summer is often the time we put our hard earned cash towards a holiday or maybe some new garden furniture. However, have you ever thought about putting your money towards installing a clean energy system in your home?

As part of the Herts Essex Energy Partnership (HEEP), Hertsmere Borough Council is offering residents the opportunity to get an interest-free loan of up to £3,000 to install a solar electricity system in their home. You would not have to repay this until you decided to sell your house. If you do not decide to sell your house, the money would be recovered after your death.  

Cllr Jean Heywood, Environment portfolio holder, said: "This is a great way for people to switch to cleaner greener energy. The prospect of getting a solar system installed can seem daunting at first, but if you can get help towards the cost and in the long-run save money, it really is a good idea."

It currently costs between £7,000 - £10,000 to install a solar energy system. Although, if you got a loan from the HEEP scheme, the money you received would be deducted from the total price of the energy system.

The installation of a solar electricity system is great for the environment, although to get the best results it is a good idea to have both your cavity wall insulation and loft insulation in place first. You can get help towards the cost of this through the HEEP scheme as well, and those on some benefits, or over 70 years old, may be entitled to get certain services for free. 

The government rolled out a national clean energy cashback scheme earlier this year called Feed in Tariffs (FITs). People who switch to solar will, under the scheme, be entitled to regular payments from the energy suppliers for 25 years.

If you would like to find out more about HEEP log onto: www.heepgrant.org and for information about the clean energy cashback scheme visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/generate-your-own-energy