This pilot cluster scheme in 2008 ran in the Mayo area successfully upgraded 115 homes with a variety of measures including attic and cavity wall insulation upgrades, solar hot water installations, solar hot water cylinder upgrade, wood pellet boiler upgrade. These measures were completed at significant discounts to the home owner. The average whole house upgrade (ALL the above upgrades) net of grants was €13,500 including installation & Vat. This reduction was achieved by clustering homeowners so as to reduce the cost of works. On announcing the new €100 Million Fund for 2009, Minister Eamon Ryan referred to the success of the pilot phase on RTE 6 One news in January and the new fund will now extend the homeowner grants nationally

The 2009 Greenloan scheme is making jobs, business and sustainability a priority on behalf of the consumer. The scheme comes with strict quality assurance, low pricing on equipment upgrades & insulation and open access to individuals to generate business by becoming BER cluster leaders, installers, etc. and this will help create jobs immediately. Many skilled people can participate, BER Assessors, Architects, Engineers, Construction Workers, Gardeners, Plumbers, Electricians and the consumer can participate as cluster leaders along with BER Assessors. In advance of carbon taxes and payments to cover the cost of carbon emmissions, the Greenloan scheme is providing businesses, homeowners and landlords the ideal opporunity to upgrade their cost base in advance of these extra taxes. (Prices in the constuction industry have never been lower, take advantage of low product prices, lower installation prices and grant assistance now)

The 2009 GHES scheme is making micro-generation a significant component. There is a significant financial outlay for investments in Wind, Solar and CHP electricity systems so financial packages will feature as part of this scheme. This is to encourage the development of national training standards and competency at installation (please note only a registered electrical contractor can certify a microgeneration installation since Jan 30th, 2009). Also, it will help educate potential homeowners who wish to upgrade. Special low price equipment options will be available on the scheme to encourage uptake, European grants for wind turbines and solar photovoltaic systems are available in the SERVE region. A domestic export tariff of 19c* per kWh has been approved if you are a customer of ESB CS and now is the time to get ready