What is the Renewable Heat Incentive?

On 10 March 2011, the Government announced the details of the Renewable Heat Incentive policy to revolutionise the way heat is generated and used. This is the first financial support scheme for renewable heat of its kind in the world.

 

At the moment we are in Phase 1 which covers the commercial sector, however October 2012 should see Phase 2 introduced for the domestic sector.

 

Prior to this there will be a 'Renewable Heat Premium Payment' of £300 which is like a grant grant domestic renewable heat installations (solar thermal) installed after August 2011 and before March 2012.

 

The tariff for solar thermal systems (up to 200 kWth) is set at 8.5 pence which is lower than of other technologies.

 

Householders in England, Scotland and Wales can apply. They must certify that this is their main home and that they have basic energy efficiency measures in place (loft insulation to 250mm and cavity wall insulation, where appropriate).

 

Householders can request the RHPP in advance, and once registered, receive a voucher for the relevant amount. They must install the renewable heat system within 3 months for solar thermal

 

DECC and the Energy Saving Trust are responsible for administering this scheme. If you would like further information on the RHPP please visit the RHPP page on the DECC website. Alternatively contact the Energy Saving Trust which has been named as the administrator of the scheme via phone on 0800 512 012.

 

If you would like to make an application to the scheme, you will need to create an account on the RHI system. Applicants will have to provide a range of information as part of their application, including information specific to your technology and site. The application is quite long – however it is possible to save your application and come back to it later.

 

Once you have completed your application and submitted it, providing there is no other information that is required, Ofgem will aim to make a decision as to whether to accredit your installation to the RHI within 4 weeks for a ‘simple’ installation, and within 6 weeks for a ‘complex’ installation.

 

An IT User Guide is available to help applicants use the system, and manage any problems you may encounter with the system.

 

To find out more, visit the Renewable Heat Incentive website, the information site for the for renewable heat incentive scheme.