Source: Solar Power Portal / Words: Peter Bennet

The Renewable Energy Association (REA) has said that the introduction of the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) could make 2014 a breakthrough year for renewable heating.

Despite the non-domestic RHI opening back in 2011, the domestic RHI has been continually beset by delays. However, energy minister, Greg Barker, recently took to Twitter to confirm that the domestic RHI will launch before Easter following over three years of delays to the scheme.

Commenting on the imminent launch of the domestic RHI, head of on-site renewables at the REA, Mike Landy, said: “The domestic RHI is set to be one of the highlights of the government’s green agenda in 2014. It will mean that renewable home heating is not just environmentally sensible, but also financially attractive for the majority of homes off the gas grid.

Renewable Energy Consumer Code, chief executive, Virginia Graham acknowledged that the domestic RHI will open up new opportunities for the industry but warned that the decision making process can be complicated and that systems can be expensive. Graham continued: “It is vital that installers present all the information to consumers clearly and do not attempt to install systems in unsuitable homes.

“It is equally important that consumers ask all the right questions and get three quotes before signing on the dotted line. We’re working to ensure that customers and installers alike understand the right way to approach a transaction to ensure a positive outcome for all parties.”

DECC will showcase the domestic RHI scheme at major events like the Ecotechnology Show, where we will be also be presenting how the domestic RHI and the Green Deal will work together to ensure that all participants will be able to benefit from having a smarter, warmer home.

The Domestic RHI scheme is for homeowners, social and private landlords who install ‘microgeneration’ renewable heating systems in their homes in England, Wales and Scotland. Householders will receive quarterly payments (based on twenty years’ worth of financial support) condensed into faster payback period of seven years of incentivised financial payments.

For the first time ever every building in Great Britain will be able to take advantage of financial incentives to install renewable heat.

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