Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive set to close on 31st March 2022

6 Dec 2021

The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (Domestic RHI) is a government financial incentive designed to promote the use of renewable energy.

home improvement deposit protection

The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (Domestic RHI) is a government financial incentive designed to promote the use of renewable energy. Funding is available for eligible homeowners and private and social landlords in England, Scotland, and Wales. New build properties are not usually eligible, and the payments are made for seven years and the amount paid is dependent on the amount of renewable energy produced.

What types of heating can you claim for?

The Domestic RHI scheme focusses on replacing heating systems which use fossil fuels with alternative heating systems which use renewable energy. Under the Domestic RHI scheme, the types of heating systems you can claim for include:

  • Solar water heating
  • Certain heat pumps
  • Biomass boilers

The scheme has been extremely successful across the UK with thousands of homeowners successfully joining and receiving payments for switching their energy systems since April 2014. By switching to a renewable energy source for your home heating, you can actively help to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions and reach the government’s carbon reduction pledge.

When will the Domestic RHI scheme close?

The Domestic RHI scheme is set to close at midnight on 31st March 2022. If you are considering applying to the scheme, it is essential that you act quickly to find out if you are eligible to receive the funding available. Before you apply, there are some points that you should address:

  • Has your renewable heating system already been installed and commissioned?
  • Do you meet all the essential criteria needed to receive funding?
  • Do you require a metering system to be installed to monitor energy usage?
  • Have you got all the necessary certification needed to complete your application?

Once you have confirmed all the necessary details, you can submit your Domestic RHI application.

How can the CPA help with your renewable energy heating system installation?

Electricians at work

At the CPA, we work with a diverse range of professional heating installers, some of whom are experts in renewable energy heating systems. When you choose a CPA accredited installer to install your renewable energy system, you gain access to a range of consumer services to ensure that your installation is protected in case of unforeseen circumstances occurring.

CPA registered traders offer all their customers a range of financial protection packages including insurance backed guarantees, deposit protection schemes, finance and insurance packages, and a range of specific certifications for your new heating system.

What certification is required to receive Domestic RHI funding?

Domestic RHI funding is only available on renewable heating systems which have been provided with certain certifications upon completion of the installation. The two essential certificates that you will need to produce as part of your application are:

  • Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) – This certificate will include a number which is an essential part of your Domestic RHI application. The certificate confirms that your renewable heating system is new and was commissioned on or after the 1st March 2019.
  • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – Your EPC also contains a unique number which must be included in your application. Your EPC must be less than 24 months old on the date of application and state that loft/cavity wall insulation is not required.

What if you are moving into a property already receiving Domestic RHI funding?

If you’re in the process of moving house and your new home already receives Domestic RHI funding, you can apply to take over receiving payments from the previous owner. From the date of sale, you have a 12-month window which is not affected by the 31st March deadline, to notify the Domestic RHI of your desire to continue with the accreditation and funding allocation.

If you’re planning to upgrade your heating system to a renewable energy system, it’s a good idea to ensure that your investment is protected. Whether you’re eligible for the Domestic RHI scheme or not, it’s important to choose a heating specialist that can provide you with all the necessary certifications.

At The CPA, our installer database contains a wide range of reputable tradesmen from across the UK. If you’d like help finding a renewable heating specialist in your area, get in touch today. You can call us to speak to a member of the team on 01462 850 064 or send us a message online and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.