The Main Points
The best looking part of the consultation Clearline Solar Panels |
Today, the UK government launched a consultation on its proposals for the domestic stream of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), slated for launch in summer 2013. the solarblogger has read it all, so you don't have to. Here is a quick summary of the contents of the consultation, more detailed analysis to follow.
Timing
The consultation is launched on schedule, so we seem to be on track for a scheme launch in
Summer 2013
Qualification
The system must be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)
Only systems smaller than 45kWth qualify. This is unlikely to be relevant
to solar (since 45kWth is 64 square metres of solar panel).
House must have a Green Deal assessment and to have completed
all of the “green tick” measures that relate to thermal efficiency (those that
are eligible for full financing through the Green Deal). Measures must be installed before the RHI
subsidy can be paid.
Tariff Payments
Tariffs are to be paid over seven years.
DECC have applied a value for money cap, based on the
“marginal cost of renewable energy” – the subsidy levels supporting offshore
wind.
Solar thermal tariffs would therefore be capped at 17.3p/kWh.year, but
DECC are seeking evidence to support a tariff level higher than the cap, and
want to look at other alternatives such as a partial upfront grant.
The energy is to be estimated by calculation (deemed) rather
than measured by a heat meter, and MCS is the preferred route to develop a deeming methodology,
with the calculation by the installer under MIS3001.
Legacy Systems
Systems installed since
15 July 2009 can apply for the RHI, subject to meeting all the
qualification criteria. If they have
received a grant (such as RHPP), this would have to be re-paid.