WARM UP YOUR WATER ON THE FARM WITH SUPPORT FROM NIE!

18 May 2010

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has launched a new grant scheme to support farmers who would like to install solar water heating. The NIE SMART programme is offering grant support to farmers across Northern Ireland who would like to install solar water heating on their farms to help manage their demand for hot water and to reduce their energy costs.



Speaking at the launch of the grant support at Balmoral Show, Gwyneth Compston from NIE Energy said, “We believe there is a need to help stimulate the uptake of renewable technologies on farms in Northern Ireland, so we are delighted to be able to offer this new Farm Solar Water Heating Grant to local farmers. Installing solar water heating will not only have a positive impact on farm energy bills, which is especially welcome in the current economic climate, but it will also help the local environment in terms of reduced carbon dioxide emissions. We hope that this funding will help to encourage local farmers to consider a more sustainable future in terms of their on farm energy use.”



The NIE SMART Programme funding will offer successful applicants a grant for solar water heating of £900 for a 1 wash system (up to 300litres of water) and £1,100 for a 2 wash system (over 300 litres of water) or an overall maximum of 25% of the installed costs, whichever is lesser. The funding support only applies to farm solar water heating systems in Northern Ireland which provide hot water for farm purposes and not for domestic hot water systems.



The NIE SMART Farm Solar Water Heating Grant is a limited offer and is available only on a ‘first come, first service’ basis - you can find out how to apply by visiting www.nie-yourenergy.co.uk . Please note that all consents and permissions must be in place before making an application and grants will not be available retrospectively for installations which are already underway or completed. Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accredited installers and products must be used and the farm must be located in Northern Ireland.



The NIE SMART Programme is funded by Northern Ireland Electricity, the network operator, and managed by NIE Energy. To find out more about saving energy and renewable energy solutions for your home, school or business check out the NIE Your Energy website www.nie-yourenergy.co.uk .

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