conservatory/EPC certificate

rebs333

Hello
I have a small conservatory on my house which was built in the early 2000's which is built onto the kitchen
When I bought my house in 2011 the external door leading to the conservatory had been removed. 
I think that to comply with current regulations there should be a door there, but I am happy with the current set-up. (This was not mentioned as a requirement
on my survey and I only found this out recently)
I have been offered free solar panels through the local council, but they need to do a check of my house and give an EPC certificate
before this can be considered. Will the person checking my property say that my house does not comply and I need to add a door and report this back
to the council. I would appreciate any advice thank you.

ComicGeek

No, the EPC assessor won't report it. They will just tick the box in the EPC calculation that states the conservatory isn't thermally separated from the house, and the EPC rating will be calculated as slightly worse due to the increased heat loss through the conservatory.

John_Pierpoint

"Slightly"??? Is there not a limit on the thermal quality of the dwelling before panels can be installed or more accurately the resulting dwelling must meet a minimum standard?.

ComicGeek

John_Pierpoint said:

"Slightly"??? Is there not a limit on the thermal quality of the dwelling before panels can be installed or more accurately the resulting dwelling must meet a minimum standard?.

That used to be the case with feed in tariffs, but that's been closed for new applicants now.

Most council run schemes work the other way, where the EPC rating needs to be D-G to qualify for free panels - so those with the poorer performing dwellings get the help. Normally it's also dependant on the dwelling already having cavity wall and loft insulation installed, but rules vary between councils.