The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) have recently outlined the final shape of the much anticipated Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive, a consumer incentive scheme designed to drive uptake of renewable heat technologies in the UK. The scheme has been available for the non-domestic sector since 2011 but, from spring 2014, homeowners will be able to take advantage of the RHI for the first time. Consumers can also take advantage of the scheme retrospectively if they have installed a renewable heat technology since 15 July 2009 and meet the scheme eligibility criteria. Access to RHI payments will also be subject to a Green Deal Assessment being carried out.
Recently announced tariff rates have been widely praised in the renewables industry. They are calculated in pence per kilowatt hour and are expected to be introduced at the following eligible technology rates, to be paid over 7 years: biomass boiler 12.2 p/kWh, air source heat pump 7.3 p/kWh, ground source heat pump 18.8 p/kWh, solar thermal 19.2 p/kWh.
Commenting on this announcement, NAPIT Director of Standards, David Cowburn said: “NAPIT welcome DECCs clarification on the Domestic RHI. Despite delays in the policy’s development, the expectation of these positive tariff rates will bring much needed confidence to the renewable heat industry. For those looking to take advantage of Domestic RHI, NAPIT currently offer; Biomass, Heat Pump Systems Installer, Solar Thermal and Green Deal Advisor courses at our purpose built, fully sustainable Bristol Renewables Training Centre.
“We also offer certification via the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and the Green Deal Certification Scheme, available for both prospective Installers and Advisors. Membership of these schemes is important as only installations carried out by certified installers are eligible for the RHI, and only Green Deal Assessors, registered with a certified Green Deal Advice Organisation are able to provide the Advice Reports which DECC have confirmed will be necessary to access RHI funding.”