Producing your own energy with heat pump systems will have yet another bonus from 2014, after the Government’s announcement on tariff rates for renewable heat technologies. From next spring those with air source and ground source heat pumps will start earning hundreds of pounds each year for the energy produced onsite.
And coupled with the huge savings already made annually on energy bills, the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) offers a fantastic opportunity to make an excellent return on investment.
But with worries that heat pump systems could rise in price over the next six months because of this incentive, now is the time to consider an installation and reap the rewards.
The tariff rates for heat pumps in the UK from spring 2014 will be as follows:
- Air source heat pumps: 7.3p/kWh
- Ground source heat pumps: 18.8p/kWh
The scheme is a clear aim to incentivise the uptake of renewables such as heat pump systems, which are fast increasing in popularity. The Government are keen for renewables to take a larger brunt of the effort in reducing CO2 emissions, in line with EU targets.
And this latest scheme is on top of the on-going grants available for domestic installations. The Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme has recently doubled grants available and you can now receive a:
- £2,300 grant for ground source heat pumps
- £1,300 grant for air source heat pumps
Will I be eligible for the RHI?
Homeowners and landlords are those set to benefit most from the RHI payments and the scheme will be open to all these in the UK. Payments will be available to those who install heat pumps now, and installations backdating to 15 July 2009 too.
However, you must have one of the following technologies installed to receive payments under this particular scheme: Air to water heat pump systems; biomass only boilers and biomass pellet stoves with back boilers; ground and water source heat pumps; flat plate or evacuated tube solar thermal panels.
When are payments received?
From your registration to the scheme you’ll be eligible to earn for seven years, with payments set to take place every four months. Early estimations predict that with a heat pump you’ll be able to save and earn hundreds of pounds every year, providing a great return on investment over the technology’s lifetime.
Energy and Climate Change’s Greg Barker said: “The Coalition is committed to helping hardworking families with the cost of living.
“Investing for the long term in new renewable heat technologies will mean cleaner energy and cheaper bills. So this package of measures is a big step forward in our drive to get innovative renewable heating kit in our homes.
“Householders can now invest in a range of exciting heating technologies knowing how much the tariff will be for different renewable heat technologies and benefit from the clean green heat produced. We are also sending a clear signal to industry that the Coalition is 110 per cent committed to boosting and sustaining growth in this sector.”
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]