Biomass boiler and Pellet boiler Prices in the UK

Written-by

Richard Burdett

Reviewed-by

Richard Burdett

Updated on

Aug 05, 2023

Biomass boiler and Pellet boiler Prices in the UK

How much does a biomass or pellet boiler cost?

When considering switching your current domestic energy source to a renewable energy alternative most people will probably think of solar power. However, heating your home with the installation of a biomass boiler also represents another option. Here we consider some of the things that you will need to take into account when looking at biomass boiler prices and whether having a biomass boiler fitted in your home makes sense to you.

At present biomass boilers represent only a small part of the overall boiler market. Undoubtedly this is because of the high cost of biomass boiler prices and their installation costs. It is estimated that typically it will cost you around £12,000 to have a biomass boiler installed in your home. Manual biomass boilers are perhaps a cheaper alternative – this is because the wood/fuel is fed into the boiler by hand. A manual biomass boiler will perhaps save you around £5,000 to have installed.

The other thing that needs to be considered when looking at biomass boiler process is their running costs. Biomass boilers use wood pellets as their fuel source and these typically cost around £150 - £200 per tonne. When you consider that a typical home will probably use around 11 tonnes of fuel per year then you can perhaps add a further £2,000 onto the cost of the first year of having a boiler installed into your home. Against this, the government does offer some help in the form of its Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).

It is certainly the case that using renewable energy sources such as having a biomass boiler installed in your home will greatly reduce the amount of electricity or gas that you will consume in a typical year. However, you do need to bear in mind that it my take many years to achieve this savings when you consider the initial outlay that has to be made to have the boiler installed. In the long run, and once you have recouped your initial outlay, however, it is unquestionable that you will make significant savings on your energy costs.

Perhaps the other thing that you need to think about when looking at biomass boiler prices is how will having what is currently an unconventional source of domestic energy production fitted in your home affect its value? There is currently very little research into this question so you might need to think about this carefully, especially if you are thinking about moving home in a few years time. Like all types of renewable energy sources, biomass boilers remain at present an expensive option to conventional domestic energy sources. However, this could well change in the coming years as the more popular they become the more that prices will fall. This, indeed, may well become a reality, especially when set against the government’s drive to hit the 15% target of the UK’s total energy consumption by renewable resources by 2020.

Factors effecting costs and the BUS

Biomass boilers and pellet boilers are renewable energy systems that have gained popularity in the UK due to their eco-friendly nature and cost-effectiveness in the long run. These boilers are designed to burn organic materials, such as wood pellets, wood chips, or agricultural waste, to generate heat and hot water for residential and commercial buildings. As the demand for sustainable heating solutions grows, the prices of biomass and pellet boilers in the UK have become a significant consideration for those looking to invest in green energy alternatives.

In the UK, the prices of biomass boilers and pellet boilers can vary based on several factors, including the boiler's size, capacity, and efficiency rating. On average, the cost of a biomass boiler can range from £5,000 to £20,000, while pellet boilers may cost slightly less, ranging from £4,000 to £15,000. The installation costs also need to be taken into account, as they can add several thousand pounds to the overall investment.

To encourage homeowners and businesses to adopt renewable heating technologies and reduce their carbon footprint, the UK government has introduced various financial incentives and schemes, one of which is the boiler upgrade scheme. This scheme aims to promote the installation of biomass and pellet boilers by providing financial support to eligible participants.

The boiler upgrade scheme offers grants or subsidies to assist with the upfront costs of purchasing and installing biomass and pellet boilers. The exact amount of financial aid depends on the type of boiler, the efficiency of the chosen model, and the applicant's circumstances. Typically, the grants can cover a significant portion of the installation costs, making renewable heating systems more accessible and affordable for consumers.

One of the primary benefits of the boiler upgrade scheme is its contribution to reducing the nation's carbon emissions. Biomass and pellet boilers produce minimal greenhouse gases compared to conventional fossil fuel-based heating systems. By incentivizing the adoption of these green technologies, the UK government aims to move closer to its sustainability targets and combat climate change.

Furthermore, the switch to biomass and pellet boilers can lead to substantial long-term savings on energy bills. As organic materials used in these boilers are renewable and often locally sourced, they are generally more cost-effective than traditional fossil fuels, which are subject to price fluctuations in the global market.

In conclusion 

The prices of biomass and pellet boilers in the UK have become more competitive as demand has increased and technology has advanced. The boiler upgrade scheme introduced by the government serves as a significant driver in promoting the adoption of renewable energy systems, making them more financially viable for consumers and accelerating the transition to a greener and more sustainable future. By investing in these environmentally friendly heating solutions, homeowners and businesses can not only reduce their environmental impact but also enjoy long-term savings on energy costs.