Following some recent changes to changes to the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) by the Department of Energy and Climate (DECC), RegenSW has highlighted some of what it considers to be the most important elements.
RHI applicants will now have no more than 12 weeks to submit information requested by Ofgem. Failure to do so ‘may’ result in the application being rejected but, Ofgem have the power to provide extensions.
From the 26 September 2016, heat pump installations will need to comply with either the new MIS 3005 V4.3 or the old MIS 3005 V4.1 until the 25 March 2016. During this period installations can use either the Heat Emitter Guide (HEG) or the Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP). After the 25 March 2016, only the SCOP can be used and MIS 3005 V4.3.
DECC has said that for installations before the 26 September MIS 3005 V4.1 and the HEG should be used.
From 26 March 2016 all heat pumps will need to be sold with an EU product label and the installer will need to produce a package label. This is part of the Energy-related Product Directive which means all heating and hot water products and systems will come with energy efficiency information. During the transition there will undoubtedly be some confusion over whether products should or shouldn’t have a product label and therefore system label. RegenSW recommends that installers speak to manufacturers and, most importantly, regularly check the Ofgem Product Eligibility List as to comply with the RHI labelling will be needed.
DECCs information release on heat pumps and the Energy-related Products Directive can be found here.