FUNDING

With Government incentives and loans there has never been a better time to invest in renewables.  The information below gives a snap shot of your options with links for more detail.  To discuss the implications for your individual project please do contact us.

Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)

The RHI is a UK Government funded payment to encourage investment in specific renewable heat generating technologies.  Ofgem administer the Scheme, and payments are linked to the Consumer Price Index and vary according to the technology, heat generated, size of the system and tariff rate. There is a Non Domestic and Domestic Scheme, and Glendevon Energy have customers across Scotland that are delighted with their returns from both these schemes.

Biomass boilers, ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps are all eligible, amonst others.  As are retro fitted systems, new builds and properties on and off the gas grid.   Highlights of the schemes, with tariff examples are given below.

DECC review the tariffs and take up quarterly. When the budget is exceeded it may trigger a tariff digression.  To view DECC’s factsheet on tariff reductions (digression) click here.  For biomass systems, owners need to use an approved fuel.  Either you need to register your own fuel supply, or your supplier needs to confirm that they are approved.  To register click here

The following information is Glendevon Energy’s interpretation of information from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Ofgem and the Energy Savings Trust.  For your own interpretation and up to date information see http://www.gov.uk/.  Any contractual relationship for the RHI will be between the owner and scheme administrator.  To confirm your property’s eligibility we strongly suggest you contact Ofgem: by emailing RHI.Enquiry@ofgem.gov.uk or telephone 0845 200 2122.

Domestic RHI

The scheme is open to owner-occupiers, private landlords, Registered Providers of Social Housing, third party owners of heating systems and self-builders. It is not be open to new build properties other than self-build.

The financial support is paid quarterly, to the owner of the heating system, for seven years.  Typically payments are made based on a ‘deemed useage’ rate, as established in the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).  Each technology has an annual kWh ‘cap’, known as ‘heat demand limit’, after which Domestic RHI is not paid.  The scheme is compatible with the Home Energy Scotland Renewables Loan Scheme – see below.

The scheme supports air source heat pumps (Only Air to Water ASHP), biomass systems, ground source heat pumps (GSHP) and solar thermal technologies. The support rates vary depending on the technology installed.

In order to apply for the Domestic RHI you need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).  To find an assessor click here

For Ofgem’s introduction to the Domestic RHI click here.  For Ofgem’s Essential Guide for Applicants click here.  For up to date tariff tables click here.

Biomass Domestic Tariffs from 1st July 2020

  • Biomass boilers:  6.97 pence per kWh (based upon the deemed usage in the EPC)
  • Total payments would be based on (7 years) x (tariff) x (deemed kW useage per year)
  • Heat Demand Limit for biomass boilers:  25,000 kWh/ annum
  • Tariffs are reviewed quarterly by BEIS

Non Domestic RHI

Non-domestic applications include commercial, public sector and not-for-profit organisations. This includes bed and breakfasts and multiple dwellings sharing the same heat source.

Payments based on actual heat usage, system size and tariff. Tariffs can see a significant return on investment.  Installations must be heat metered with RHI compatible meters. Systems up to 45kW only must be MCS registered.

Compatible with Home Energy Scotland (Energy Savings Trust Scoland) small business loans, see below.

Non-Domestic Tariffs from 1st July 2020

We aim to keep this information accurate and up to date, however to view the latest BEIS announcements click here, and for Ofgem information click here.  For tariff tables click here.

Small Ground Source Heat pumps

up to 100kW

Tier 1:  6.98p per kWh of heat pump size for the first 1,314 hours per annum

 

Tier 2:  2.08p per kWh for every kWh produced after that

Large Ground Source Heat pumps

100kW and above

 

Tier 1:  9.68p per kWh of heat pump size for the first 1,314 hours per annum

 

Tier 2:  2.89p per kWh for every kWh produced after that

 

Air Source Heat pumps 2.79p per kWh of heat pump size for the first 1,314 hours per annum
Small Biomass
up to 200kW 
Tier 1:  3.15p per kWh of boiler size for the first 1,314 hours per annum

Tier 2:  2.21p per kWh for every kWh produced after that

Medium Biomass200 kWth and above & less than 1MWth Tier 3.15p per kWh of boiler size for the first 1,314 hours per annum

Tier 2:  2.21p per kWh for every kWh produced after that

Any contractual relationship for the Non-Domestic RHI will be between the owner and scheme administrator.  To confirm your property’s eligibility we strongly suggest you contact Ofgem by emailing RHI.Enquiry@ofgem.gov.uk or calling  0300 003 2289.

Energy Saving Trust Scotland (EST) Loans

For Domestic customers the Home Energy Scotland Loan enables homeowners to take out an interest free loan for up to £10,000 per technology, for up to 75% of the total cost of the systems.  Solar, biomass and heat pump systems can all be eligible, with differing repayment timescales and funds available for different technologies. Applications will be approved on a first come first served basis, and projects must not start until written confirmation of the loan is received.  Contact Home Energy Scotland for further information on 0808 808 2282.  To check for the most up to date information click here.

For Commercial customers, Resource Efficient Scotland SME loans are available to Small and Medium sized businesses, private landlords and not for profit organisations.  The loans are up to £100,000 and when combined with FiTs or RHI have a fixed interest rate of 5%.  For further information click here.

CARES Scheme

As a rural business in Scotland Glendevon Energy qualified for the CARES Loan Scheme for both the Rumbling Bridge and Loch a Bhroin Hydro schemes.  CARES offer a loan of up to £150,000 to develop renewable energy projects, provided there is an element of community benefit or ownership in the scheme.  The loan helps fund the initial feasibility and costs, and for Rumbling Bridge we achieved planning consent, a water abstraction license and a grid connection offer with their support.  Work with CARES is ongoing for the Loch a Bhroin Scheme. The loan helps fund the initial feasibility and costs, and for both Rumbling Bridge and Loch a Bhroin we achieved planning consent, a water abstraction license and a grid connection offer with their support.