Energy loans

In the current climate it can be difficult to find energy efficiency improvements that are fully funded. This is both due to reductions in the amount of funding available and the move towards more expensive improvments like heat pumps or solid wall insulation.

If you find yourself in a position where you would like to improve the energy efficiency of your home but cannot proceed as the upfront cost is too high, there is the option to borrow money to fund this energy efficiency work.

Householders fall into one of the two categories: 'Able to pay' for those who are not entitled to funding under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) or 'Affordable warmth' for those who are. To find out more about the ECO click here.

(Landlords can also use the Energy Efficiency loans but will be subjected to different terms and conditions.)

1) Able to pay 

Householders in this category can borrow between £1,000-£15,000 to fund energy efficiency improvements such as solar panels, an air source heat pump or solid wall insulation. The loan can also be used to fund multiple improvements.

If you are looking to make your home more energy efficient but unsure of where to start or how to prioritise the work please see our Futureproof website: www.futureproof.uk.net. Futureproof is a home retrofitting service which offers advice on energy saving improvements and refurbishments.

2) Affordable Warmth

If you are being partially funded through the ECO for insulation improvements like loft or cavity wall insulation or a new heating system, you may be able to get a top-up Energy Loan of between £1,000-£15,000 as well. You can also apply for a loan if the work you would like to do is more focused on renewable energy. Note that types of work funded will depend on the policy of your local council.

Where do the loans come from?

Energy efficiency loans are available through Lendology, a not-for-private-profit Community Interest Company. They work with local authorities in the South West region to offer householders low interest loans to help fund energy efficiency measures.

The local authorities they work with are Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Mendip, Somerset West & Taunton, Sedgemoor, South Somerset, Wiltshire, and discrict councils in Dorset and Devon.

To enquire about a loan contact Lendology on 01823 461099 or complete their enquiry form: www.lendology.org.uk/what-we-do/energy-efficiency-loans. They will look into your eligibility for a loan and help you decide how much you could borrow and the loan best suited to your circumstances.