A £10m fund set up by the Government will encourage community groups to save on energy bills, cut emissions and make money by selling electricity back to the national grid.
Renewable projects that have received funding so far include solar panels on Salisbury Cathedral, Frome Town FC and hydroelectric turbines on the River Dane in Cheshire.
Community projects in England are now being encouraged to apply for feasibility grants of up to £40,000 for green initiatives, including solar battery storage, wind, hydro and geothermal heat projects.
Viable proposals will also be considered for further grants of up to £100,000 for business development and planning applications, as the Government hopes to increase energy self-sufficiency in rural communities and boost jobs in green technology.
Energy and clean growth minister, Chris Skidmore, said: 'It will take all corners of the country and sections of society to help us to tackle climate change on our path to becoming a net zero emissions economy and communities are at the heart of our mission for a greener planet.'
