The number of government grants made to people who want to fit solar panels or other green energy systems to their homes has halved, the BBC has learned.
It comes after the low carbon buildings programme cut the maximum grant on offer from £7,500 to £2,500.
The Renewable Energy Association, which says the programme is failing, has accused ministers of complacency.
But the government says uptake went up considerably last month after the need for planning permission was removed.
Europe's third worst
Figures seen by the BBC show that in 2007, 2,339 grants were made nationwide, compared with 5,104 the previous year.
Britain is the third worst performer in EU for producing energy from renewable sources - 2% of the UK's energy is produced in this way - and it has been told to raise its share to 15% by 2020.
In comparison, Germany has 200 times as many homes fitted with solar photovoltaic power.
But critics say the low carbon buildings scheme has been confusing and stingy, and has provided little incentive for people to go green.
Last month the programme was extended by a year to April 2010 but the £2,500 cap remained.
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