Grants for renewable heat technologies have been increased to help homeowners with the installation costs of environmentally friendly products. Grants have doubled for some technologies, making installation cheaper and still provide the same level of energy saving potential.
The Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) encourages people to switch from fuels such as gas, oil and electricity.
With a heat pump installed there’s the chance to save money on energy bills and slash CO2 emissions too.
The grants were originally intended as a stopgap before the Renewable Heat Incentive launch, which is similar to the feed-in tariff for solar panels, but the postponement of the scheme until 2014 has ignited an increase in payments.
The rise in grant funds is said to support the market through the limbo imposed by the delay; a delay the industry said they were “bitterly disappointed” with.
So far more than 10,000 homes have taken a grant for the installation of renewables since the introduction of the scheme in 2011, and the increased funding should see many more jump onto the bandwagon.
The new grant levels are as follows:
- Ground source heat pumps: From £1,250 to £2,300
- Air source heat pumps: From £850 to £1,300
- Biomass boilers: From £950 to £2,000
- Thermal solar panels: From £300 to £600
There is £12m in value available for funding renewable installations.
Energy and climate change minister Greg Barker said: “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.”
Under the RHPP regulations you’ll have to pay for an assessment which should cost between £100 and £150. However this is minor compared to the grant on offer and the savings you can make.
If you’re considering heat pumps then think about the fuel you currently use and make sure to speak to a contractor about the savings you’ll make. Technology is often recommended for those using electric, oil or LPG heat. Those on the gas grid may not make as large a saving on bills so it’s important to get the facts from your installer.
Facts & Figures You’ll Love To Share
- [tweetable alt=””]A heat pump is capable of generating enough heat to reduce your annual energy bills by up to £650.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]The Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive will pay out hundreds of pounds a year for the renewable heat produced.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]Cash grants of up to £2,000 are available to help fund the purchase of heat pumps.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]As gas and electricity prices continue to rise, heat pumps will provide greater savings for the years to come.[/tweetable]