What action is the Welsh Government taking to incentivise the installation of solar panels at domestic properties and businesses?
Our Warm Homes Programme provides advice to all Welsh householders and free home energy efficiency improvements to eligible householders in Wales. For households eligible for home improvements solar photovoltaic (solar PV) technology and battery storage can be installed where it is recommended following a whole house assessment. Many other householders are recognising the benefit of investing in solar PV to reduce their electricity bills, and demand for installation has increased significantly over the last year. These households are also able to benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which will reimburse them for unused and eligible electricity, exported to the grid.
The Welsh Government has asked the Development Bank for Wales to fast track a decarbonisation offer to businesses, which will be launched early this year. It will offer favourable borrowing terms to businesses looking to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy measures. Further information will be published on the Development Bank for Wales website in due course.
The Welsh Government Energy Service provides public sector and community organisations with advisory and technical services to implement low carbon technologies and projects. This support includes an assessment of the costs, savings and/or revenue streams for all projects supported. As part of this support, we are also providing approximately £18.5m of zero interest loans in per annum, through the Wales Funding Programme and Invest to Save.