FAQs

The questions and answers below are provided to give more information about the SCHRI grant and application process. There are more frequently asked questions about renewable energy technologies on the Energy Saving Trust renewables website.

Who is the SCHRI aimed at?
Can I apply for more than one grant?
Can a private company, e.g. a builder or developer apply for grant on behalf of a future home owner?
How do I find an accredited installer?
Does the equipment have to be approved?
I would really like to use an installer that does not appear on the MCS list, what do I do?
How does the accreditation process work?
Do I need planning permission?
When can I claim my grant?

Who is the SCHRI aimed at?
SCHRI is aimed at homeowners in Scotland. The majority of people who apply for grants are owner-occupiers but it's also possible to apply for a grant for a home that you own but don't live in.

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Can I apply for more than one grant?
Yes. An individual can apply for a maximum of two grants per property, providing the applications are for different technologies. Thirty per cent of the total installation cost, up to a limit of £4000 will be offered for each installation.

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Can a builder or developer apply for a grant on behalf of a future home owner?
Yes, in 2004 the SCHRI household funding rules were altered to allow builders, developers and architects to apply for funding on behalf of future owners of the properties they are developing, even in cases where the owners aren't known. For more information on how this works follow this link.

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How do I find an accredited installer?
The SCHRI household stream relies on the same accreditation process as the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), a similar grant scheme run by the DTI in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. To find a Scottish installer or one from another part of the UK that operates in Scotland, follow this link.

SCHRI funds a wider range of technologies than MCS. For these technologies EST will determine the required standards for installers and equipment. If you are interested in a technology other than those funded by the MCS contact your nearest Energy Saving Scotland advice centre on freephone: 0800 512 012 for further information.

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Does the equipment have to be approved?

Yes. Only major system components listed on MSC Recognised Product List are eligible for grant. If you are interested in using a product that does not appear on that list you should urge your installer to contact MCS to get the product listed as soon as possible. A grant offer can not be made until the product is registered.

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I would really like to use an installer that does not appear on the MCS list, what do I do?
If it is for a technology that is funded by MCS, you should urge them to become provisionally accredited via MCS. A grant application pack can be downloaded here.

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How does the accreditation process work?
A provisionally accredited installer can install two renewable energy systems as part of the grant scheme after which one job must be inspected and deemed satisfactory before moving to full accreditation. When the installer has moved to full accreditation they can undertake unlimited installations, providing they adhere to accreditation guidelines and further inspections indicate that their work meets the required standards.

MCS are responsible for the overall accreditation process but EST are responsible for carrying out inspections of systems installed in Scotland and feed back into the overall MCS process.

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Do I need planning permission?
Planning permission depends on the technology and location. For further advice contact your Local Authority Planning Department who will advise you on the necessary steps to take. If you do require planning permission, you can still apply for the grant - however, all planning approvals should be in place before the equipment is installed.

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When can I claim my grant?
After receiving a formal grant offer you have 6 months to complete the installation and claim the grant. The grant can only be claimed when the installation is complete and original copies of the following documents have been submitted:

• Final grant application form (you will receive this with you grant offer letter).
• A signed installer commissioning statement that confirms the technology that has been installed and is working to the required standards.
• Any system receipts.
• Colour photographs of all system parts.

If the grant application is approved, it will be paid by cheque.

If you think that the work will take long than 6 months to complete or will cost more or less than the original grant offer you should contact EST Grant Processing on 0207 2270 335 to inform them of the changes.

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