What financial incentives are available from the Welsh Government for growers and garden centres with large roofs to utilise this space for solar panels?
The Development Bank offers a wide portfolio of funds; a number of these funds can provide support for decarbonisation projects.
In 2023 the Development Bank of Wales launched a new ‘invest to save’ offer, the Green Business Loans Scheme. The Scheme offers discounted interest rates and patient capital to support businesses undertaking energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects. The Scheme offers funding from £1,000 and £1.5m and provides access to fully and part-funded consultancy support.
Projects which could be supported include:
- Investing in renewable energy technology.
- Improving the fabric of premises and energy efficiencies within the building.
- Upgrading systems or machinery to reduce energy use.
- Water usage and waste reduction/improvements.
Details, including eligibility criteria, can be found on the Development Bank of Wales website. Funds We Manage - Dev Bank (developmentbank.wales)
Business Wales can also support businesses to access finance, help ensure they are lending ready and provide impartial advice on a range of financial support available as well as links to the Development Bank of Wales. In addition, the Business Wales website has a business finance zone offering specialised guidance and information to help people identify appropriate finance as well as a finance locator https://businesswales.gov.wales/businessfinance/ .