Installers and manufacturers of microgeneration technologies play a vital role in helping to achieve a low carbon society. DECC’s Low Carbon Buildings Programme is committed to the development of the renewable energy industry, bringing quality products to market that reduce householder carbon emissions.

Householders are required to use certified installers and certified products when installing microgeneration technologies to be eligible to receive a Low Carbon Buildings Programme grant. To find out more about becoming certified please click here.

Under the Low Carbon Buildings Programme (stream 1), householders are responsible for submitting a grant application. Householders are also responsible for claiming the grant once the technology has been installed.

Please note: An installer is not permitted to make an application on behalf of the householder, and similarly can not claim a grant on their behalf.

If you are an installer and want to know about the status of your client’s grant application or grant claim, please speak to your client. We cannot discuss applications or claims directly with installers. If you wish to see whether an applicant has been approved for a grant please access the installer extranet.

We recognise that installers play a part in supporting individuals to make their grant application. To help the grant process work as efficiently as possible, there are some things that installers can do:

• Ensure you have certified status under DECC's Low Carbon Buildings Programme. Click here for information on how to become certified.
• Ensure the product you propose to install has certified status under DECC's Low Carbon Buildings Programme. Click here for details PLEASE NOTE: As of 4th December, products previously certified via Clear Skies or PV programmes are no longer eligible for grant funding, only MCS products and Solar Key Mark products (for solar thermal technology) are eligible. Please check the MCS website and Solar Key Mark website for further information and refer any queries regarding the status of products directly to the relevant party responsible for listing that product.
• Signpost householders who need to undertake energy efficiency measures to sources of advice such as the Energy Saving Trust website and advice centres.
• Speak to your client about the progress of his/her grant application or grant claim.
• Supply your client with copies of receipted invoices which clearly show a breakdown of the costs relating to the microgen technology installed. Click here for definition and criteria required for receipted invoices.
• Supply your client with the relevant Low Carbon Buildings Programme completion certificate(s) following commissioning of the technology or technologies. Click here for Low Carbon Buildings Programme Completion Certificates (version 5).