Contractors eye government funds to install renewable technology

Contractors specialising in installing renewable energy systems could be in for a windfall of government funds under a new £10m campaign to encourage green thinking in homes, schools and hospitals.

The Clear Skies initiative, announced today (Wednesday), will also see grants issued to residents across England, Wales and Northern Ireland who agree to install renewable energy devices in their homes.

Scotland is setting up a similar £3.7m scheme.

Contractors will receive government help by setting up a new accreditation and training system to give property owners peace of mind when installing renewable technologies.

The exact funds available to willing contractors is as yet unclear.

Government examples of renewable installations include water heating panels for homes, small-scale hydro-power projects in schools and wind turbines to produce electricity in hospitals.