Green Energy Support

Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive

Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive

Does your home generate heat using renewable technology, such as a ground or air source heat pump? If you use renewable heating technology, you may be eligible for the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

The Domestic RHI is an incentive scheme carried out by the government to promote renewable heating technology. Under the scheme, homeowners that use renewable heating technology may be eligible to receive a tariff for generated heat.

There are two different RHI schemes: one for homeowners and another – the Non-Domestic RHI – for businesses. In order to be eligible for the Domestic RHI, you will need to have a domestic Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your property.

Read on to learn more about the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive, the renewable heating technology that’s eligible for the scheme and recent changes to the scheme that might affect you.

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What is the Domestic RHI?

The Domestic RHI is a government scheme that allows owners of renewable heat technology to earn a tariff for generating heat.

The scheme is only open to properties that have a domestic Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). A separate scheme – the Non-Domestic RHI – offers benefits to owners of commercial properties that generate heat using renewable technology.

Are you interested in generating heat using renewable tech for your commercial property? Learn more about the Non-Domestic RHI in our guide.

Under the Domestic RHI, homeowners can receive cash payments for a period of seven years. Payments are made every quarter and vary based on the technology installed in your property, tariff rates and other factors.

Several different types of renewable heating technology are eligible to apply for the Domestic RHI. As of September 2015, eligible technologies include:

  • Ground source heat pumps
  • Air source heat pumps (air to water only)
  • Biomass boilers (and certain pellet stoves)
  • Solar thermal hot water systems

Note: As of July 2015, the Department of Energy and Climate Change has introduced new regulations regarding heat pumps, biomass sustainability and the RHI. You can learn more about the changes in the Energy Saving Trust guide to the Domestic RHI.

Who can apply for the Domestic RHI?

Any homeowner with the above renewable heating technology installed can apply to receive the Renewable Heat Incentive. Specific eligibility criteria for the scheme are also listed below:

  • The heating system must have been installed by an MCS certificated installer, and you must have the system’s MCS installation certificate number in order to apply for the RHI.
  • You must also have a Green Deal advice report number from a Green Deal assessor. The Department of Energy and Climate Change has a search tool that can be used to find Green Deal companies.
  • You must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) number for your property. This can be retrieved online via the EPC Register.

Although most participants in the Domestic RHI are homeowners, the scheme is also open to registered social and private landlords. Learn more about RHI eligibility as a landlord at Ofgem.gov.uk.

Current tariff rates for the Domestic RHI

Domestic RHI tariffs are calculated separately for each type of renewable heating technology. Payments are made on a quarterly basis and last for seven years in an effort to reduce the cost of switching to renewable heating technology.

Note: The tariffs listed below are current as of September 2015 and apply to RHI applications submitted from October until the 31st of December, 2015.

  • Air source heat pumps receive 7.42p per kilowatt hour
  • Ground source heat pumps receive 19.10 per kilowatt hour
  • Solar thermal hot water systems receive 19.51p per kilowatt hour
  • Biomass boilers and stoves receive 6.43p per kilowatt hour

Learn more about the Domestic RHI tariffs and the scheme’s budget management in the Ofgem Tariffs and Payments for the Domestic RHI guide.

In certain cases, you may need to install meters and submit a meter reading in order to receive payments under the Domestic RHI. Learn more in the Ofgem Metering for the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive guide.

Learn more about green energy

Are you interested in switching to green heat and energy? The Domestic RHI is one of two schemes open to UK homeowners interested energy. The other – the Feed-in Tariff scheme – is aimed at homeowners that generate renewable electricity.

You can learn more about the Feed-in Tariff in our Guide to the Feed-in Tariff.

We specialise in green energy and heating systems for residential and commercial properties. If you’re interested in switching to green energy, we can provide advice and assistance to help you make the right decision.

From solar to wind power, our team of renewable energy experts can help you find the ideal solution for your home. Contact us now to learn more about how much you can save by switching to renewable energy for your home or business.