Energy and renewables

Installing green technologies in your self-build not only offers energy savings in the long run, but you might qualify for government schemes to help pay for them. As well as a warmer house, those who have qualified for the scheme have saved an average of

Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)

The main funding scheme offered by the Government for installing renewable heating such as biomass, ground source and air source heat pump technologies, is the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). The domestic RHI is for single-rated properties and is payable for seven years. Quarterly tax-free payments, which increase annually in line with the consumer price index, are made to the homeowner. The amount of RHI payable is based on the energy performance certificate (EPC) you receive once your heating installation is complete. Typically, a biomass installation could payback in about eight years (depending on fuel source). A ground or air source heat pump system usually pays back in four to five years. The rates paid under the RHI vary depending on what system you are installing. Currently, heat pumps (ground and air source) are seen as the best technology to use and offer higher payments. While the scheme is currently supported until at least 2022, the Government continues to adapt the criteria so it is important that you, and your installer, keep up to date. Further changes have been mooted for 2017, including a cap on larger properties and the removal of support for solar thermal installations.

Feed in tariffs (FITs)

The Feed in Tariffs (FITs) scheme is another Government scheme designed to encourage uptake of a range of small-scale, renewable and low-carbon technologies to generate electricity. Under FITs, you could be paid for the electricity you generate if you install an eligible system such as solar PV or a wind or hydro turbine.

Energy saving loans

Did you know you can apply for an interest free loan to install a variety of measures such as solid wall insulation, double-glazing or a new boiler? You can apply for an interest free loan of up to £10,000 for installing a variety of home energy efficiency measures such as solid wall insulation, double glazing or a new boiler. The HEEPS Loan scheme is open to owner

occupiers and registered private sector landlords in Scotland. See the list below for eligible measures and values. The repayment period varies based on the amount you intend to borrow but those taking out higher value loans will be able to pay back over 10 years. If you’re looking to find out what grants and loans you could benefit from call Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 for free, impartial, expert advice, or request a call back. You can also use their Grants and Discounts Tool to find out what grants and loans may be available to you.

How to qualify

To qualify for the RHI and/or FITs, the installation must be carried out by a Microgeneration Certification Scheme company. It is a nationally recognised quality assurance scheme, which certifies microgeneration technologies used to produce electricity and heat from renewable sources. Your installation must also adhere to the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC), operated by the Renewable Energy Association. In addition, to qualify for RHI payments, you must have funded the heating installation yourself. The renewable heating companies in our guide will be able to guide you through the RHI process, including providing an idea of how much your quarterly payments will be. Renewable heating is the obvious choice for any self-build project and with Government incentives in place, it has never been a better and more profitable choice.