In theory, yes, there are grants. Under the DTI’s Low Carbon Building Programme there are supposed to be grants available for householders who want to install what the government calls ‘small-scale renewables’ such as solar hot water systems. In practice, this year’s scheme has been criticised as massively underfunded – the government has been releasing the money in monthly allocations, which have been quickly snapped up by a deluge of applications, sometimes within hours of each month’s scheme being opened. However, the criticism has led to a 50% increase in funding for the grant scheme announced in the Budget in March. Try www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk, which has a wealth of information on energy-saving measures and costs, as well as details of how to apply for a grant. It’s also worth trying your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on 0800 512012 for more information, while the Solar Trade Association (www.greenenergy.org.uk/sta, 01908 442290) has advice on solar systems as well as a list of its members.