Renewable Heat Premium Payment for Solar Thermal Systems

Written-by

Richard Burdett

Reviewed-by

Richard Burdett

Updated on

Apr 21, 2023

Renewable Heat Premium Payment for Solar Thermal Systems

----------THIS IS NOW CLOSED AS OF MAY 2015------------

What is the Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) for solar thermal?

The Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) for solar thermal systems, is a Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) initiative which aims to support those thinking of installing a renewable energy technology on their property. The RHPP is designed to provide support for homeowners until the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive(phase two) comes into effect in 2014. The RHPP is a one-off payment (in voucher form) toward the cost of installing a renewable heat source. The current phase (phase 2) of the RHPP runs until March 2014. The value of the RHPP grant voucher available for solar thermal installations is £600. In order to be eligible for the RHPP, your property must satisfy the following criteria:

• it must be owned by you, or alternatively, if you are a tenant you must purchase the solar thermal system yourself
• it must have 250mm loft insulation and, where feasible, cavity wall insulation
• its heating system must not currently be mains gas-powered (i.e. you must currently use oil, solid fuel, liquid gas or electricity)
• you must not have received any payment under RHPP phase 1.
• you must have undertaken a Green Deal Assessment before submitting a claim to EST for payment of your voucher
• if the property is a new build, then you must retain ownership of the property either as the occupier or as the Private Landlord. Please note applications from installers, builder/developers or householders in relation to “off-plan” developments, are not eligible for support under this scheme.  Similarly, installations where the renewable heating system was installed prior to the first occupation of the property are also ineligible for the scheme
• the solar thermal system itself must be installed by a Microgeneration Certification Scheme-accredited installer

If you have any further questions, please email these to RHPremium@est.org.uk For clarification or further reading regarding this scheme please visit the Energy Saving Trust website.