Where does biomass (pellets) fit in cost-wise now?

Bendy_House

Hi.

Bro currently has an old oil boiler which will undoubtedly need replacing before too long. A&GSHPs are not an option due to the age of the house, and the cost of bringing insulation levels up beyond what he currently has - loft and cavity. He hates the 'idea' of oil, and also obviously the cost. So, where would a 'pellet' boiler fit in with the other options? (No gas.)

Main Q's would be:

1) COST of purchase and fuel compared to new oil boiler? IE, initial and running costs.

2) Requirements for storage of pellets? Actual space isn't an issue, but keeping it at the supplied % moisture content could be. Don't they come in sealed bags? (He has a garage, so it wouldn't get 'wet', but would still be at outdoor ambient temp and humidity.)

3) Any grants available to help with either installation or running?

4) Anything else of interest or importance :-)

Many thanks.

(This is in Scotland)

FreeBear

Bendy_House said:  2) Requirements for storage of pellets? Actual space isn't an issue, but keeping it at the supplied % moisture content could be. Don't they come in sealed bags? (He has a garage, so it wouldn't get 'wet', but would still be at outdoor ambient temp and humidity.)

I've had bags of pellets & mini-briquettes and have kept them in an outside shed without issue. In a garage, stored on a pallet so that the bags are not in contact with the concrete floor, they should remain dry. If there is space, a hopper might be an alternative, and then you could have bulk deliveries - Might work out cheaper than buying in bags.

BUFF

Bendy_House said:

3) Any grants available to help with either installation or running?

4) Anything else of interest or importance :-)

Many thanks.

(This is in Scotland)

Start at https://www.homeenergyscotland.org/find-funding-grants-and-loans/interest-free-loans/overview/

Assuming that there is still cash left in the govt. pot
" Biomass boilers or stoves (non-automated, non-pellet stoves or room heaters are not eligible): £10,000 (£2,500 loan plus up to £7,500 cashback)"

Bendy_House

Thanks FB and BUFF - I will investigate that further :-)

Bendy_House

BUFF said:

Start at https://www.homeenergyscotland.org/find-funding-grants-and-loans/interest-free-loans/overview/

Assuming that there is still cash left in the govt. pot
" Biomass boilers or stoves (non-automated, non-pellet stoves or room heaters are not eligible): £10,000 (£2,500 loan plus up to £7,500 cashback)"

That looks promising indeed.

Assuming, as you say, there's money left over, it 'could' mean a bio-mass boiler could be - ooh - perhaps just twice the cost of a new oil jobbie. But then the savings should mount, as well as the CO emission savings.

Since bro is developing community wind-farms that'll be music t'ears.

matelodave

you might like to read this - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-59546278?msclkid=d4fd8eb1b66811ec8c6f8b5e42589f98