Renewables On The Up As Domestic RHI Sees Over 1,000 Installations

The number of householders who have taken up the opportunity presented by the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) have topped a thousand in just the first four months. And air-source heat pumps seem to be the most popular. By James Hunt:

A ground source heat pump by Dimplex seen installed.

Dimplex

Ofgem says that this number has ‘exceeded expectations’, and the initial uptake shows a number of trends. For example, in terms of technology, air source heat pumps are the most favoured, with well over a third of installations. Indeed, nearly 50% of householders see air source and ground source heat pumps as providing worthwhile savings. Another finding is that many householders who have previously relied on oil fired heating are interested in the Domestic RHI. 

 

The RHI and what it means

 

The UK Government says that the RHI, which was launched on 9th of April in England, Scotland and Wales, is the world’s first long-term financial support programme for renewable heat. The scheme pays participants who use a specific technology to generate and use renewable energy to heat their buildings. This will help the UK reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet targets for reducing the effects of climate change.

 

There are in fact two schemes - Domestic and Non-Domestic. They have separate tariffs, joining conditions, rules and application processes. Each application can only be to one of the schemes.

 

The Domestic RHI covers solar thermal and biomass installations as well as ground and air source heat pumps. It allows consumers to earn quarterly payments for seven years for the renewable heat their system produces and relies on a Green Deal Advice Report to assess the potential energy savings that could be generated. The scheme is open to anyone who can meet the joining requirements and is intended for households both off and on the gas grid.

 

The key point about joining is that the renewable heating system chosen heats only a single property that is capable of getting a domestic Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The EPC is the proof needed that a householder’s property is assessed as a domestic ‘dwelling’. Without an EPC, householders cannot apply and to join the scheme. 

 

Installers like the RHI too

 

It appears that electrical installers favour the Domestic RHI in terms of obtaining extra business. There has, reportedly, been a significant increase in Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) applications. It is thought this is because only installations carried out by registrants on this scheme are eligible for Domestic RHI payments.

 

For those electrical and other installers interested in learning more about heat pump technologies and their installation, many organisations, including manufacturers, provide suitable training courses – please see the links below.

 

To see a table of tarrifs for RHI technologies below:

Novel Energy Lighting can supply, install, and commission solar thermal, biomass, ground and air source heat pumps. Please contact us for details: 0208-540-8287