RHI for ASHPs - not for new builds?

gterr

Hi there,


Been snoozing for a while. Now heard that, finally, the RHI is to become payable for domestic ASHPs from Spring 2014. But is it correct that it won't be available for newbuilds?


Our ASHP was commissioned in June 2012 in a newbuild. We jumped through a good few hoops to make sure the system was commissioned by an MCS Certified installer, to be sure of qualifying for the RHI once it became available. We have our MCS Certificate and got the RHPP.


Is it the case that we won't be eligible?

lovesgshp

gterr wrote: »

Hi there,


Been snoozing for a while. Now heard that, finally, the RHI is to become payable for domestic ASHPs from Spring 2014. But is it correct that it won't be available for newbuilds?


Our ASHP was commissioned in June 2012 in a newbuild. We jumped through a good few hoops to make sure the system was commissioned by an MCS Certified installer, to be sure of qualifying for the RHI once it became available. We have our MCS Certificate and got the RHPP.


Is it the case that we won't be eligible?

Hi Gterr.

From what I have seen, from reading the UK rules, then for a new build it is not available. As here, it needs to be a retrofit for a existing system, for saving energy. I am sure there is someone with better knowledge on here as to the UK requirements.
The way round it here, was to put in a cheap as possible heating system, keep it for 12 months and then change to the new system!! Do not know if that works there though.

gterr

Hang on: May be confusing things now.


The RHI isn't available for ASHPs in new builds except for self-builds.


What's the definition of self-build? Do you have to have physically built your house yourself for it to be a self-build? We had our own plot and had a single house built to our own plans but paid a contractor to build it. We paid in stages. Is that a self-build? (Please!)


Also, if it does qualify it will be under the 'legacy' category, so we might not get the RHI from Day 1. Since we have an MCS Certificate and registered this with OfGem to get the RHPP, will we be 'in the system' and will they contact us, or do we have to contact them?

lovesgshp

Self-build from what I can see is a UK term as such.
Just reading through some articles, seems you would be eligible, but as I said before, I am not a expert on UK regulations.
Thought someone on here could have helped you with a better answer.
p.s.
Did you get the pump working OK in the end??

gterr

lovesgshp wrote: »

Self-build from what I can see is a UK term as such.
Just reading through some articles, seems you would be eligible, but as I said before, I am not a expert on UK regulations.

Thanks. Yes, I've done some more reading now and I'm a little more confident that we will qualify.

p.s.
Did you get the pump working OK in the end??

Yes, thanks, at least within the limits of what's possible with our system. There was a bit of faulty plumbing regarding the expansion tank, and we had a faulty mixing valve close to the heat exchanger, but the Worcester engineer has established that the large primary store takes care of the other potential plumbing problems. I still think that the fact we have a mixed system (UF heating downstairs and radiators upstairs) does compromise the efficiency of the system, but at least I'm confident now that it's working as it should.