Article source – re-print of an article posted today
In short, for domestic properties– no, for non-domestic properties – yes.
Lighting, lighting systems, fittings and controls are eligible Green Deal measures, but will only be able to receive finance in the non-domestic sector.
The – I suppose actually quite fair – reasoning behind this is that the DECC was concerned that homeowners could remove low energy bulbs and take them to their new house when they move home. This would cause complications because Green Deal repayments are linked to properties rather than to the individuals, so this would not be fair on the future owner of said property.
A spokesman for the Green Deal said: “Ministers recognise the benefits low energy lighting can bring, but are concerned that in homes, people will easily be able to remove bulbs and that when properties pass to new occupants, there is the potential that they will have to pay for measures that they are no longer benefitting from. This risk is higher than for other Green Deal measures which are more difficult to remove.”
Good news, though –The Green Deal will cover lighting fixtures for commercial and non-domestic properties. Businesses will benefit greatly from this measure being included in The Green Deal, since energy consumption is reduced by up to 85% with LED lighting.
But, homeowners – please don’t let this put you off investing in LED lighting outside of The Green Deal. LED lighting is very simple to install if you purchase LED Retrofit bulbs – no need for new fittings, just slot them straight into the existing socket.
Frankly, for domestic measures The Green Deal is more ideal for insulation or solar panels installation which would cost a great deal of money if you weren’t to take out a loan from The Green Deal. Installation of LED lighting would only cost a margin of what a new boiler, insulation or solar panels would cost – so it’s affordable and easy for many homeowners to do outside of The Green Deal and can be done as a gradual process.
The DECC’s statement finished by saying that DECC wants to continue dialogue with the lighting industry on the longer term strategy for the sector and links to the Green Deal, so there is still hope – we’ll keep you updated…