Householders across Britain will be able to get more cash for renewable heating projects, the Government announced yesterday.
DECC has increased money off vouchers available for people switching to renewable heat from traditional systems: £2,300 for ground source heat pumps (up from £1,250), £2,000 for biomass boilers (up from £950), £1,300 for air source heat pumps (up from £850) and £600 for solar thermal (up from £300).
They are part of the Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) scheme designed to encourage householders to move away from traditional heating systems by offering money off the cost of the equipments. It is targeted at those living off the gas grid, where most money on bills and carbon can be saved.
Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: “Over 10,000 householders have already taken advantage of money off renewable heating kit and we want to see even more consumers stepping up to the plate and getting on board.
“But I want to go even further. I want to kick start this exciting new market for consumer renewable heat technologies. This time limited, big increase in the value of vouchers for hardworking people who want to do something positive to install money saving green heating in their homes, should be a real boost for this growing green sector.”
Householders will be required to undertake a Green Deal assessment before submitting a claim to the Energy Saving Trust to redeem their vouchers.
The Solar Trade Association (STA) said the announcement is great news for solar heating.
Stuart Elmes, Chair of the STA’s Solar Thermal Working Group added: “This announcement is, at last, a tangible demonstration of Government’s oft-proclaimed commitment to domestic renewable heat technologies. Many within industry had wavered in their belief that they would ever see a domestic RHI! We now need to get the good news out there and let householders know that solar heating is more affordable.”
Earlier this month, the Government also announced a £6 million renewable heat fund for social landlords.
