Test Valley Borough Council Offers Solar Grants to Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

Test Valley Borough Council has announced a solar grant scheme to help small and medium-sized businesses in the area cover the costs of installing solar panels. The scheme, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, aims to encourage businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and invest in clean energy. The grants, worth up to £5,000, will cover 20% of project costs and are available to landlords, leaseholders, and occupiers of commercial premises on business parks. The deadline for installations is March 2026.

Key Takeaways:

• The UK Shared Prosperity Fund has allocated £50,000 to Test Valley Borough Council for the solar grant scheme.
• The scheme will provide grants covering 20% of project costs, up to a maximum of £5,000, to eligible businesses.
• The grants are available to landlords, leaseholders, and occupiers of commercial premises on business parks.
• All installations must be completed by March 2026.
• Cllr Alison Johnston, portfolio holder for Climate Emergency and Countryside, has encouraged eligible businesses to get in touch to see how the council can support them.
• The scheme aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the community's transition to clean energy.
• The council's Climate Emergency Action Plan, updated last year, outlines steps to reduce emissions across the borough.

Statistics:

• £50,000 allocated from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for the solar grant scheme.
• £5,000 maximum grant value per project.
• 20% of project costs covered by the grants.
• March 2026 deadline for all installations.
• 15% of Test Valley Borough Council's 2025-26 UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation dedicated to improving business sites and promoting clean energy.

Sources:

• Test Valley Borough Council (no specific date or reference)
• Climate Emergency and Countryside portfolio holder Cllr Alison Johnston, quoted in the Council's press release.