Domestic RHI latest - Tim Pollard's response

SALISBURY, U.K. - July 12, 2013 - PRLog -- The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has announced the tariffs for the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

The scheme allows people with biomass boilers, ground and air source heat pumps and solar thermal, to earn money as a reward for generating their own heat energy in a low impact way, so there’s potential to make hundreds of pounds a year from renewable systems.

The tariffs have been set at:

*7.3p/kWh for air source heat pumps
*12.2p/kWh for biomass boilers
*18.8p/kWh for ground source heat pumps
*At least 19.2 p/kWh for solar thermal (this is capped by reference to the level of support offered to offshore wind. The tariff will be at least 19.2p, possibly up to 21.7p, and the final decision will be made in the autumn.)

As part of the domestic RHI, householders will need to have a Green Deal Assessment to qualify and will have to meet minimum loft insulation (250mm) and cavity wall insulation requirements. All installations must be carried out by an MCS accredited installer.

Plumb Center’s Head of Sustainability Tim Pollard gives his view:  

“Today’s news on the domestic RHI is fantastic. It’s been a long time coming, but the tariffs are encouraging and it’s a big step in the right direction; this is a great start to the longer journey.

“Renewable energy systems are extremely impressive pieces of kit. They’re highly efficient, clean and will be important for the government to meet their decarbonisation targets.

“The RHI tariffs give people an added incentive to install renewables, because they can make some extra cash as a reward for generating their own heat energy, and who wouldn’t want that.

“The link between the RHI and Green Deal is exciting. There’s no point fitting renewables (or any heating system) in homes that are poorly insulated because the heat will just escape out of the walls or the ceiling, so I’m happy a Green Deal assessment and minimum insulation requirements are needed.

“People can also combine Green Deal with the RHI, so it’s possible to get Green Deal finance to buy a ground source heat pump and claim the tariff money for the energy you produce. This makes renewables more affordable than ever.

“There are now plenty of new business opportunities for installers, but training is more important than ever. To fit renewables under RHI, installers need to be MCS accredited, and they need Green Deal training to be qualified to work under that scheme.

“Plumb Center and its training partner Sevenoaks Academy offer all the training and qualifications installers need, so I’d advise to strike while the iron is hot and make the most of these exciting initiatives.”

The training team is on hand to answer any questions you may have regarding the courses we offer. Booking a course is simple, please call 01732 760077 to speak to one of our training co-ordinators. We welcome your call and will do our best to ensure your training needs are met.