[ Spotlight: Heating and ventilation]
Dimplex’s SmartRad is an intelligent fan convector that can use lower temperature water than conventional systems
what products to use, there are now more factors that can influence a decision. As well as the energy it takes to run the system, factors such as controls, noise and aftercare all need to be considered for the longer-term comfort of the occupiers of the building.’
Micro manage With the cost of gas and electricity massively outstripping the rate of inflation, more homeowners are looking at microgeneration. Technologies such as biomass, combined
The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
In March 2011, the government announced the details of the RHI policy to revolutionise the way heat is generated and used in buildings and homes. The overall aim is to grow the market by 700 per cent by 2020, with an estimated 110,000 commercial installations being supported in that time.
The RHI will provide long-term financial support to renewable heat installations and encourage the uptake of renewable heat. Regulations underpinning this scheme are scheduled to be approved by Parliament in summer 2011 and the scheme will be introduced shortly thereafter. To qualify for the RHI, all installations under 45kW capacity must be installed by a member of a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Installations in excess of 45kW capacity will not require MCS membership, but will need to satisfy system criteria to be determined by Ofgem.
Up to 25,000 installations will be supported by a RHI Premium Payment to help people
cover the purchase price of green heating systems. Those taking up the Premium will then be eligible for a RHI tariff from October next year when the Green Deal begins, as will anyone else who has had eligible equipment installed from July 2009.
Train to gain This is a potentially lucrative area for electrical contractors, and there is a range of training courses available to provide guidance on the installation of microgeneration-based
September 2011 ECA Today 27
heat and power (CHP) heat pumps, solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal are being promoted by various government-backed initiatives. Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) pay householders for all the
electricity generated from a renewable source. They receive a set rate for every unit of energy they generate, regardless of whether they use the energy or sell it back to the National Grid. FITs will soon be joined by the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), which will provide long- term financial support to renewable heat installations. Government is aiming for the regulations underpinning this scheme to be approved by Parliament in summer 2011, and the scheme will be introduced shortly thereafter. The HVCA’s David Frise says: ‘We are very optimistic
about the potential of the RHI. It is designed as a way to compensate for the additional cost of microgeneration, and will do a great deal to promote the use of these technologies.’ Chris Davis, director for business development at
Dimplex Renewables, adds: ‘The RHI will drive consumer and commercial demand for heat pumps and solar thermal systems. This scheme is much delayed, and from an heating and ventilation point of view it has been frustrating to see the success of the solar PV sector under FITs, while renewable heat technologies have had virtually no supporting financial market driver.’
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