Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for heat pumps.
Renewable Heat Incentive for heat pumps.
We’re all about helping you make the greenest choices for your home. The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) was a great way to make eco-friendly heating even more rewarding. Even though the scheme is now closed, we want to make sure you're in the know about what it meant for heat pump owners like you.
The RHI scheme has now closed.
As of March 31st, 2022, the UK government's RHI scheme has officially wrapped up, and replaced by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). But don't worry, if you got in before the deadline, you're still eligible for those lovely payments.
The BUS is a government scheme that is subject to eligibility criteria and T&Cs, but can take £7,500 off the cost of a heat pump installation. It’s automatically deducted when you get a new air source heat pump quote.
What was the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive?
The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive, or RHI, was a government scheme designed to promote the use of renewable heat. It offered financial incentives for households to install renewable heating technologies like air source heat pumps. In simpler terms, the scheme was a win-win: helping you save money on your heating bills while contributing to a greener planet. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that?
How could the Domestic RHI help heat your home with renewables?
Here’s the lowdown on how the Domestic RHI worked. Imagine getting paid for doing something good for the environment. That’s exactly what the RHI offered. For up to seven years, participants received quarterly payments based on the amount of renewable heat their system was estimated to produce. This helped offset the cost of installing systems like air source heat pumps.
So, not only were you keeping your home warm and toasty, but you were also earning some cash back. Sounds like a sweet deal, right?
What is Assignment of rights?
Now, let’s talk about something called Assignment of Rights. This might sound a bit technical, but bear with us. Assignment of Rights allowed homeowners to assign their RHI payments to a third party, like an installer or finance company, in return for a reduction in upfront costs. It’s like getting a helping hand to climb the renewable ladder.
By assigning your rights, you could make the initial investment more manageable and still enjoy the benefits of renewable heating.
Our partnership with Clean Air Ventures.
We believe in partnerships that make a difference. We teamed up with Clean Air Ventures to offer you more flexible financing options. This collaboration helped to ease the financial burden of installing renewable heating systems. Together, we aimed to make green energy accessible and affordable for everyone. And though the RHI scheme has closed, our commitment to making renewable heating a reality for our customers remains strong.
What does this mean for my installation?
If you’re scratching your head wondering what all this means for your heat pump installation, fret not. Whether you’ve already got an air source heat pump or are thinking about getting one, our partnership ensured that you could still access support and advice on managing your renewable heating system. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, from installation to maintenance.
How does RHI work with change of ownership?
Selling your home? Here's the lowdown on what happens to your RHI payments:
What you need to do.
If you’re selling your property, you’ll need to inform Ofgem about the change of ownership. The new owner can then continue to receive the RHI payments. It’s a straightforward process, but it’s essential to keep all parties informed to ensure a smooth transition.
When do your RHI payments stop?
Your RHI payments will continue as usual until the change of ownership is processed. Once that’s done, the new owner will take over the payments. So, you won’t lose out on any payments due to the sale.
What do I do if I’ve bought a property with a renewable heating system already registered on the scheme?
Congratulations on your new home! If it comes with a renewable heating system already registered on the RHI scheme, you’re in luck. You’ll need to notify Ofgem about the change in ownership and provide the necessary documentation. Once that’s sorted, you can sit back and enjoy the benefits of your new heating system, along with the RHI payments.
When do your payments start?
Once we've confirmed your eligibility, your RHI payments will start from the date you purchased the property. You can expect them to arrive quarterly.
What happens if the owner of the property passes away?
In the unfortunate event of the property owner’s passing, the RHI payments can be transferred to the executor of the estate. The executor will need to inform Ofgem and provide relevant documentation. This ensures that the renewable heat incentive continues to support the household during difficult times.
What information do I need to provide as executor?
As an executor, you’ll need to provide Ofgem with proof of your status, such as a grant of probate or a letter of administration. Additionally, details about the property and the renewable heating system will be required. It might sound like a lot, but it’s all to ensure that the RHI payments continue smoothly.
Is there an RHI product eligibility list?
Yes, there was an eligibility list for products under the RHI scheme. To qualify, your heating system needed to meet specific standards and be installed by an accredited installer. While the scheme is closed now, having a compliant system ensures that it was up to the mark in terms of efficiency and sustainability.
Is RHI right for me?
Although the RHI scheme has ended, it was an excellent option for many homeowners looking to adopt renewable heating technologies. If you’re considering renewable heating solutions now, it’s still worth exploring other incentives and support options available. We’re here to help you navigate through the alternatives and find the best solution for your home.
Do I need an energy performance certificate (EPC) to get RHI?
Yes, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) was a crucial part of the application process for the RHI. The EPC provided an assessment of your home’s energy efficiency, ensuring that your property was suitable for renewable heating installations. If you’re planning on any future upgrades or new installations, an EPC remains a valuable tool to understand your home’s energy performance.
When does the domestic RHI end?
As mentioned earlier, the Domestic RHI scheme closed on 31st March 2022. But don’t let that dampen your spirits! There are still plenty of ways to embrace renewable heating and make your home more energy-efficient. We’re here to help you explore all the available options and find the best fit for your needs.
Wrapping it all up.
So, there you have it—a comprehensive look at the Renewable Heat Incentive and what it means for you. While the scheme may have ended, the journey towards renewable heating continues. We’re committed to supporting you every step of the way, ensuring that you have all the information and resources you need to make the best choices for your home.
Let’s keep the conversation going and continue to explore the wonderful world of renewable energy together. If you have any questions or need further assistance, our friendly team is just a call or click away. Together, we can create a brighter, greener future, one heat pump at a time.
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