ᐅ BAFA Innovation Grant for Heat Pumps Possibly Too Late – What Now?

Hello everyone,

We are installing a brine-ground source heat pump in our newly built house and hired a general contractor for the overall project at the end of May. The construction contract also includes the ground source heat system and guarantees an annual performance factor of 4.5. The documents are currently with the building authority, and we are waiting.

However, you are mostly left on your own when it comes to adhering to various regulations, and everyone just refers to subsequent trades, saying that many details will be clarified later. I just have the BAFA application for innovation funding for an efficient heat pump in front of me. There is a grant amount of 4,500 EUR available. However, the application must be submitted BEFORE the start of the project. For general contractor contracts, the start of the project is considered the date of the construction contract once a renewable energy concept is specified.

My question to you: is the 4,500 EUR already lost? Is it settled like that, or can you still argue that the contract for the drilling is not yet signed, etc.? I could really lose my mind if that were the case, but that is what I am reading everywhere.

Thanks and best regards, Redsonic

That apparently is really the case. Interestingly, we received approval for the subsidy for an air-to-water heat pump without having to provide any contract documents at all. The application and the calculation of the seasonal performance factor provided by the heat pump manufacturer were sufficient.

So far, I only know the process from theory. But based on everything officially published and what I’ve read online, unfortunately, you’re out of luck. You’ve already correctly cited the relevant sections yourself.
Moreover, the contract was signed in May, which was months ago, not just yesterday.
Very frustrating!

Just try calling them on Monday.

I’ll get on the phone first thing Monday. The problem is that no construction company will provide services in advance like that.

However, I immediately escalated the issue with my general contractor today. He reassured me that it will work out. So far, it has worked for 50 construction projects. Apparently, the funding agency itself has realized that the requirements are not practical. The key document is the contract between the general contractor and the plumbing company, which will only be finalized after the detailed execution planning.

I really hope he’s right.

PS: Of course, the contract wasn’t just signed yesterday, but who expects these kinds of requirements when the application demands such detailed plans that clearly won’t be available until much later in the process?

Hello,

My colleague had exactly the same situation as you and didn’t stand a chance. You also often read online that it is now too late. Since this affects me as well, please share your experience here if it does work out and what steps you took.

Make a contract amendment with your general contractor and remove the heating / plumbing trade (?). When the time comes, you then sign a new contract with them.