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Key Facts about The Renewable Heat Incentive
The Key Facts About The Renewable Heat Incentive
Renewable energy is a hot topic now, and as interest builds around greener energy, many of us are looking for information on what renewable options are out there. But, more importantly, is there any financial help we can get that helps cover some of the costs.
Currently, the UK government aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, incentives for renewable energy such as the Renewable Heat Incentive to help make it more affordable to switch.
However, finding precise information on who can apply, the limitations of the scheme and how to apply isn’t always the easiest.
We’re going to break down the Renewable Heat Incentive, so it’s easy to start thinking about taking a step towards renewable energy without it being a daunting task and reducing your carbon emissions.
What Is The Renewable Heat Incentive?
Firstly, a great place to start is to cover what The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) actually is. The RHI is a scheme that pays to use renewable heat technologies. The scheme aims to encourage people to use low carbon energy alternatives. The RHI is available to anyone in England, Wales and Scotland; however, not open to Northern Ireland. It provides financial support for seven years based on a tariff system.
The application deadline is the 31st March 2022, so with this in mind, if you’re interested in applying for the RHI scheme, now is the time to start looking further into whether you are eligible.
What Renewable Heat Technology Can I Pick To Get Financial Support From The RHI?
Although the government is providing incentives for renewable energy, unfortunately, not all Renewable Heat Technology is part of the RHI scheme. Therefore, to keep it simple, we’ve created a list below to help you see which renewable technology is eligible for the scheme.
Biomass (wood fuelled) boilers*
Biomass pellet stoves with integrated boilers providing space heating*
Ground to water heat pumps
Air to water heat pumps
Solar thermal panels (flat plate or evacuated tube only) providing hot water for your home
Some water source heat pumps
Certain cooker stoves and high-temperature heat pumps
To check the make and model of renewable heat technology included in the RHI scheme, click here.
How much can I earn from the Renewable Heat Incentive?
Besides reducing our carbon emissions and helping the environment, the financial support for going green is a welcomed extra benefit for many. Of course, you’ll most likely want to know how much you’ll earn with the RHI; however, this depends on the amount of energy you use and the renewable energy technology you have. Each renewable energy technology has a different tariff, so if you’re unsure, you can use the RHI calculator to find out exactly how much you can make over the seven years.
What Are The Limitations Of The RHI?
Annual Heat Demand Caps
Although you'll get paid to use renewable energy, there are some limitations. There is a limit on annual heat demand, and therefore if your household goes over the heat demand limit, the RHI payment will still be given but capped.
Approved Installer
The installer for your new renewable energy system must be Microgeneration Certificate Scheme certified to be eligible for the RHI.To find an approved installer that is part of the MCS, please click here.
Heat Pump Limitations
The limit for annual heat demand for ground source heat pumps and gets capped at 20,000kWh.
However, keep in mind that air-source heat pumps have a different head demand limit, and it's slightly higher at 25,000kWh.Biomass Limitations
Similar to ground source heat pumps, biomass boilers/stoves have a cap of 25,000kWh.
Biomass product needs an RHI Emissions certificate to make sure they meet the air quality standard. Check out The RHI Emissions Certificate List here.
Am I Eligible For The RHI?
Now you know what the RHI is and the limitations of the scheme, you may have decided renewable energy is for you. Once you’ve picked which renewable energy to install, the next step is finding out if your property is eligible for the scheme.
Our handy list below is a quick way to see shows who can apply for the RHI scheme.
Owner-occupiers, self-builders, private landlords and registered providers of Social Housing who have installed an eligible technology
Single domestic dwellings
Self-build projects
Households with renewable technology are listed as part of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme and are (MCS) certified products.
What Will I Need To Apply For The RHI?
Lastly, once you’ve installed a renewable energy technology and you’ve checked are eligible for the RHI, it’s a great time to look at the application process. We’ve got a quick overview of what you’ll need to complete the application.
Documentation to show you’ve financially contributed to the installation and purchasing of the heating system.
Bank details for the Renewable Heat Incentive. Your tariffs payments will go back into your bank account. So it’s a good idea to use the same information submitted on your application.
A Energy Performance Certificate Number
(the number in the top right of the certificate)
Are You Interested In Applying for The Renewable Heat Incentive?
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