Solar Heating and the Renewable Heat Incentive
The sun is a source of free, renewable and non-polluting energy which many people would like to use to heat their homes. Unfortunately, the main drawback to installing a domestic solar heating system is the initial cost.
Although using free solar energy will reduce your fuel bills – and your carbon footprint – you first have to buy the solar thermal panels and have them connected to your hot water system. This might involve replacing your existing hot water cylinder, or adding a second cylinder, and if you have the type of combi boiler that works without a hot water tank this, too, will probably need to be changed.
The good news is that the government has recently announced the introduction of a Renewable Heat Incentive scheme which should make switching from carbon-based heating fuels to eco-friendly renewable energy sources more affordable for many households in England, Scotland and Wales.
The finer points of the scheme have still to be decided, but homeowners should be aware that they might be able to receive financial help from two Renewable Heat Incentive funds:
RHI Premium Payments
£15 million will be made available from July 2011 for one-off grants to households installing a renewable energy heating system. It is thought that these will be about £300 for solar thermal heating. Once the £15 million has been paid there will be no more of these grants so anyone eligible for one is being advised to apply early!
Renewable Heat Incentive
From October 2012, the main RHI will become available to households with a renewable heating system that was installed on or after 15 July 2009. This will pay a quarterly tariff based on the amount of renewable heat produced in the home, and will continue for 20 years. The precise amounts payable for solar heating have not yet been announced.
To qualify for either type of Renewable Heat Incentive payment, households with solar thermal heating will have to meet certain conditions including the following:
If you are already enjoying the benefits of solar heating look out for further government announcements to find out when and how you can apply for RHI tariffs. If you are still thinking about having solar panels installed, RHI is just one more reason why this is a good time to ask for a free, no obligation quotation from a heating professional who can answer all your questions about solar heating.
Although using free solar energy will reduce your fuel bills – and your carbon footprint – you first have to buy the solar thermal panels and have them connected to your hot water system. This might involve replacing your existing hot water cylinder, or adding a second cylinder, and if you have the type of combi boiler that works without a hot water tank this, too, will probably need to be changed.
The good news is that the government has recently announced the introduction of a Renewable Heat Incentive scheme which should make switching from carbon-based heating fuels to eco-friendly renewable energy sources more affordable for many households in England, Scotland and Wales.
The finer points of the scheme have still to be decided, but homeowners should be aware that they might be able to receive financial help from two Renewable Heat Incentive funds:
RHI Premium Payments
£15 million will be made available from July 2011 for one-off grants to households installing a renewable energy heating system. It is thought that these will be about £300 for solar thermal heating. Once the £15 million has been paid there will be no more of these grants so anyone eligible for one is being advised to apply early!
Renewable Heat Incentive
From October 2012, the main RHI will become available to households with a renewable heating system that was installed on or after 15 July 2009. This will pay a quarterly tariff based on the amount of renewable heat produced in the home, and will continue for 20 years. The precise amounts payable for solar heating have not yet been announced.
To qualify for either type of Renewable Heat Incentive payment, households with solar thermal heating will have to meet certain conditions including the following:
- the home will have to be well insulated to conserve the heat being produced
- the householder will have to agree to monitor the heating system and provide feedback on performance. This will probably mean having a ‘heat meter' fitted.
- the solar thermal panels and associated components must be installed by a properly accredited installer.
If you are already enjoying the benefits of solar heating look out for further government announcements to find out when and how you can apply for RHI tariffs. If you are still thinking about having solar panels installed, RHI is just one more reason why this is a good time to ask for a free, no obligation quotation from a heating professional who can answer all your questions about solar heating.
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