Can I get insurance for my Solar Panels?

With Solar Panels reaching an estimated 500,000 installs across the UK this year and the new government RHI feed-in-tariff people really are making the most of the investment that is renewable technology. It's spreading across the media like wildfire with new innovations in solar, Germany running on 50% renewable energy and even coming to popular UK supermarkets such as Ikea.

However, we haven't heard much about the complications of insuring them. Solar Panels are a serious bit of kit costing from £6000-£9000 you would hope to get some sort of insurance on them as they are supposed to last you up to 20 years. If you are thinking about having solar panels fitted in the near future, it is well worth finding out more about how and where to insure them before you start.

Coverage on Building Insurance policy

Unfortunately in some cases you won't be covered under this policy, its all down to which insurance company you're with. The common response being is that owning solar panels is (in their eyes) much like running a business because you earn money off the feed-in-tariff. Annoying as that may be there are still alternatives so not to worry my lovelies!

I would advise you to take extra care and ask the insurance provider the right questions to ensure the policy is accepted before they solar panels are installed.

The Alternatives

If you aren't covered for solar panels on your policy then the only other thing to do is go to another insurance company. Although be wary, some companies charge an extra extravagant fee while others include them with no problems at all.

According to www.solarpanels.co.uk the following insurers that are more than happy to provide cover for solar panels on a buildings insurance policy are: 

•  Esure
•  AA
•  Prudential
•  Lloyds TSB
•  LV.com
•  Aviva

Although one insurer, NFU has caused some trouble with home owners. Advertised on their website that solar panels isn't a problem when it comes to their building insurance policy when it came to talking over the phone some customers have found that they weren't able to receive cover. This could just be down to minor issues, don't lose all hope now!

More Tips

Overall the majority of home insurers are okay with insuring a house with solar panels. Although it is worth just giving your current provider a ring to check if your current policy is suitable for solar panels. If you find you wont be covered I suggest you ring round for quotes as it is best to get it straight from the horse's mouth!

I bid you adieu my dear Sirs and Madams

Technology in home furniture: what can we expect to see in the coming years?

Photo Credit: JD Hancock

We are currently in the midst of a the most technically advanced digital age we have ever been through and technological gadgets are now becoming increasingly common in all aspects of our everyday life, including the home. It’s not just the home, our furniture is joining the party. High tech gadgets are now becoming embedded in ordinary objects and whereas this was a fiction of the imagination of science fiction writers in the past, it is now happening for real.

We have gone and found furnishings which are both practical and visually appealing, some of these technologies are available now, whilst others will become prevalent in years to come. One thing that they have in common is that they’re extremely advances whilst being multifunctional and superbly practical at the same time.

With production methods now so advanced, and much more advanced than they have ever been, it really isn't hard to imagine a plethora of hybrid furniture which combines say, a tablet, and a plush leather recliner. And why not, if it can be made, it should be! We've travelled a long way since the trusty cup holder was a function that left people in shock, and very soon there will be technologies that don't even exist yet which are incorporated into our chairs, seats, tables, stools or worktops. But what can we expect, this blog will give you a taster of what might be around the corner:

Tabletop tablets

Already available from Hammacher, the coffee table touch screen turns the humble coffee table into a fully interactive and fully functioning windows 8 tablet, complete with its huge 32” touch screen. We imagine they will become more common over the next few years and they are very useful for people who want to look at photos or maps at the same time.

Not only is it a tablet, you can obviously place your coffee on it, or even eat of it. There is no need to worry about spillages due to the reinforced glass which is also equipped with an anti-glare filtering.

Slotted tech furniture

With the rise of iPads and other tablet brands, it’s only a matter of time before designers create furniture which incorporates slots so that they can sit upright, so we can easily view either a streamed television show or simultaneously browse the internet together with somebody else. No more will we have to perch our phones or tablets up against things, and this sort of feature could be included in almost any type of furniture you might find in the home.

The I-Sopod

It’s always ideal to find a place to relax that will put you in complete peace and take you away from the world. The I-sopod is designed to do just this. This bath is shaped just like a big round pod that opens and closes. When the tub is open, it lights up using the LED lights that are installed inside the base of the tub. Not only does it light up in captivating colours, it is also installed with an MP3 system so that you can completely chill out. The I-sopod is designed to come in a variety of colours to suit your preference. Will we be seeing more technology like this in the future?

The Light up Coffee Table

This table has been cleverly designed to interact with any movement on the table. It is designed with LED lighting that senses absolutely anything that touches the table. The lights are white and very bright, and it creates an effect that looks surreal and very pretty. The cord that connects the lighting is hidden well meaning there are no annoying wires all over the floor - it is also a very eco-friendly option.

Keyboard integrated chairs

In the digital age, the need for gadgets to be integrated in furniture has grown significantly, and this need has been answered by the ‘Origin’ ergonomic task chair. Its allows you to sit whilst offering a keyboard on either arm of the chair, you can therefore keep a good posture. The fully adjustable ‘Origin’ was built with your average office worker in mind and looks to prevent repetitive strain injuries whilst allowing the user to remain comfortable.

Tech-charging furniture

In the future we might see a rise in furniture which has built in charging facilities, allowing us to charge up our digital products whilst not taking up extra space with unsightly wires. Perfect for the minimalist, this furniture would allow us to power up whilst our devices remained hidden away in draws. This would be a great option for people who live in smaller spaces or those with one eye on technical developments.

Door handle with self-sterilization system

We've all been there, after going to the toilet, having to use the door handle which may be germ ridden. There has been rumours of a door handle which will eliminate this issue and just by touching the handle and opening the door, your hands will be sterilised. A very handy invention which could work in the home but would be especially handy in a public location.

The Cloud

Want to feel like you’re floating on a cloud when you relax? This design concept plays with idea of feeling on top of the clouds. This is a lounger chair  design that uses a magnetic field base that lies on the floor. The magnetic field is used to keep up a light and soft cushion shaped like a cloud. This levitating sofa could be the world’s favourite thing to sit back and relax on in the future!

Who really knows what the distant future really holds, the technologies we have included in this list are either currently in the prototype stage or are being rolled out soon by their designers. Whilst they might be on the higher end of the price range now, it wont be long before they are widespread and are incorporating all the technologies of the day. They will make our lives much easier from day to day whilst ensuring we are connected to the outside world and are able to continue living our online lives, or even carry on working.

This blog was written by Jennifer Smith for <a href=”http://conwyvalleyplumbing.co.uk/central-heating-installations/”>Conwy Valley Plumbing</a>, the premier provider of all your energy saving and bathroom installation services in the UK.

Images courtesy of Shutterstock

Beyond The Mains Newsletter

Hello all my dear Sirs and Madams! Today I would like to introduce you to a great service written by the same people on this blog, Beyond The Mains Newsletter.

It features articles much like what you find on this blog; and it's FREE. It regularly comes out every week ( a little more routine than this...) Featuring great little pieces from windows to renewable technologies, anything Home Improvement related, we do it! Keeping you fully updated on new technologies and government schemes, definitely worth the subscription.

Its perfect for home owners and business owners alike. Are you one of these? Well get clicking my dear.

To the sceptics out there don't worry, we aren't going to spam you or pass on your details. We just want to keep you, our readers entertained and informed, this is just another way of reaching you. I promise my dear Sirs and Madams, no gimmicks.

If you're interested then just click here! I will provide links below as well. Its free and all it will cost you is a click!

• Link is here: http://beyondthemains.com/

I bid you adieu my dear Sirs and Madams!

TOP 5 wacky solar inventions! #4 killed me!

Solar Panels are spreading like wildfire right now, they are EVERYWHERE an in the most oddest of places. Mainly because you can go pretty much anywhere in the day and you'll be under the sun (obviously). The human attraction to solar power is growing by leaps and bounds over the past 4 years because the technology is finally being realised. You nay sayers, blowing down solar panels about their efficiency are stuck in the past. Germany are running on 50% solar power and we all know how efficient they are! Without further adieu here are my top ten solar panel locations, proving how versatile the technology really is.

1. The Solar Power Fan Cap

Probably not the pinnacle of solar power's potential, but wacky indeed. Obviously choosing practicality over fashion this really does make the most of your head space. It's designed to cool the face by using the fan mounted on the ridge, running on the solar panel above the head. It wouldn't be a bad idea too if it didn't look a tad ridiculous. The best thing is these can be bought on Amazon! I enjoy it don't get me wrong. Part of me wants to buy it, but I'm more of a Sombrero 'fan' myself. 

2. Solar Moon

Not to be confused with the popular anime, Sailor Moon. This is a project being developed by Japan and the USA and it's not as far fetched as you might think! A Tokyo-based Shimizu Corp. wants to lay a belt of solar panels 250 miles wide around the equator of our orbiting neighbour and then relay the constant supply of energy to “receiving stations” on Earth by way of lasers or microwave transmission. 

The “Luna Ring” that is being proposed would be capable of sending 13,000 terawatts of power to Earth. I guess the only appropriate reaction to that is...

It's a massive amount of power seen as in 2011 the USA alone generated 4,100 terawatts. Shimizu have yet to put a price tag on the construction costs involved, but given adequate funding the company believes construction work could get under way as early as 2035.

3. Floating Solar

This floating solar power plant technology was developed last year by a team led by SP Gon Choudhury, Chairman of the Renewable Energy College. With the total estimated cost of Rs 35 lakh ($63,600), the first pilot project is scheduled to be commissioned this year in October at a lake in the outskirts of Kolkata in West Bengal. The funding for the pilot project was provided by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Solar panels will be installed on floating platforms which will be anchored firmly to avoid undulation of the panels around the surface of the water. Capital cost for this floating installation is approximately $1.18 Million per MW with power generation cost of Rs 7 ($0.13) per unit. 

Enough of the technical malarky, they are odd. No denying it, can you imagine swimming out to sea and see those giant circular monstrosities! I do like the concept though. Make most the space we have, although less of the solar fan cap space saving!

4. Donkey Solar

Now we've all wanted our solar panels portable, but on a little donkey? I'm pretty sure if it had the speed it could take off with those wings! Donkey's are famed for carrying heavy loads, Pregnant women, the unborn messiah now it's renewable technology; I guess the best animal to carry important cargo is a donkey! Its not just this donkey though...

 A 3rd world version of an eco car, a Toyota Pri-asinus?

5. Solar Fashion

Well I'd hardly call it fashion lets face it, it's sort of hideous. It's called 'wearable solar' and it's purpose is mainly to charge your phone and other devices while on the go, guess we know what iPhone users will be wearing... Obviously something like this would never catch on, but still it's a step forward! Lose the 80's shoulder pads and the Tron style look and it could look pretty good! 

Oh, it's not the only wearable solar either, introducing the solartie! Again for charging our phones (seeing a pattern yet?) and again, hideous. Guess we are just solar power mad! Just imagine the get up you will have with a solar fan cap, tron solar suit and a solartie! Would you get beaten up? Probably. But think of the positives, you would be able to taste defeat with a cool face and enough battery to call an ambulance.

I bid you adieu my dear Sirs and Madams!

Cleaning Your Solar Panels Saves You Money!

Solar panels are generally self cleaning, but in particularly dry months and summers, or where panel tilt is minimal, dust and other substances such as bird droppings can build up over time and impact on the amount electricity generated by a module. Grime and bird poop doesn't need to cover an entire panel to have an effect. Even something the size of an inch across can have a detrimental effect on your electrical generation.

Photo Credit: Len Matthews

Tips for cleaning solar panel glass

Safety first - follow the procedure in your manual for shutting down the system before commencing cleaning.

For safety reasons, it's also wise to clean your panels from the ground if possible. A good quality soft brush and a squeegee with a plastic blade on one side and a cloth covered sponge on the other coupled with a long extension can make for the perfect tools allowing you to stay on the ground. Use a hose with a suitable nozzle to allow the stream of water to reach the panels.

   

NOTE: If cleaning your panels from the ground is not possible, do not attempt to access your rooftop unless you have the appropriate safety equipment and training. If you don't; hire a suitably qualified professional instead. Although we are combating this by developing our own type of solar panel cleaning product, with chemicals specially designed for maximum output for your solar panels and a long extension rod to get to those high to reach places, 25-30 footers this means you won't have to be forking out, paying for the clean up when you can do it yourself easily in 10 minutes!

Photo Credit: Jesse Wagstaff

TOP TIP: Clean your panels on an overcast day, early in the morning or in the evening. If the sun is beating down on the panels, any water used can quickly evaporate and dirt will become smeared. 

Early morning can be a particularly good time for cleaning as dew that has settled on the panels overnight will likely have softened grime; meaning you'll need to use less water and less energy to clean your solar panels.If the panels are dry, before tackling the modules with water, brush off any loose materials first - this will make cleaning easier and faster. Don't use metal objects or harsh abrasive products for removing caked on materials - scratching the glass on a solar panel can affect its performance as scratches will cast shadows. Avoid using detergents if possible as these may streak the glass of the panel. Use of abrasive powders also risks scratching the panels.  

Given the nature of good quality solar panel glass, clean water and a little scrubbing with a coarse cloth covered sponge or soft brush should remove the most stubborn grime.  Plastic scourers may also be used.

If your mains-supplied water is hard (mineral-rich) and rainwater is available; use that as a final rinse; then squeegee dry. If hard water is all you have, just be sure to squeegee well as mineral-ladened water can form deposits on glass as it dries.

  

Dealing with oily stains

Oily stains can occur in some installation scenarios, such as if you live near an airport and are under a flight path or if you live adjacent to and downwind of a major roadway frequented by trucks. If oily stains start appearing on your panels; isopropyl alcohol can be used as a spot-cleaning substance.

Photo Credit: Brlan Kusler

The final word on solar panel cleaning

The old saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" applies - in most residential installation scenarios, solar panel cleaning just isn't worth the bother - or the potential danger if accessing your rooftop. Unless dirt is clearly visible or performance is noticeably impacted; simply let nature do the job for you

I bid you adieu my dear Sirs and Madams!

Paint on solar panels is a 'Breakthru' for technology

'Breakthru' by Queen 1989.
(Look at that smirky deacy in the background!) 

Researchers at the University of Toronto have made a final breakthrough that could lead to cheaper and more flexible solar cells. It  could be used by millions of people around the world due to the nature of the design. The team developed nano-particles called colloidal quantum. The colloidal quantum dots are able to absorb so much sunlight because the researchers developed a material that keeps the electron-rich n-type semiconductor from turning into the electron-poor p-type semiconductor when exposed to the air. The n-type material makes the solar cells more efficient, isn't that clever?

Photo Credit: Good to be Green

The new material achieves solar power conversion efficiency of up to eight percent and can be painted or printed on surfaces such as roofing shingles, especially handy for those underdeveloped countries who I'm guessing will be their target audience if funded for production. The breakthrough also ensures better sensors, infra-red lasers, infra-red light emitting diodes and satellites so winners all round.


I bid you adieu my dear Sirs and Madams!

New type of battery answer to world's energy crisis!

The Vanadium redox battery could be the answer to the world's energy crisis. Vanadium's alloying properties have been known for hundreds of years. Most famously when Henry Ford used it in 1908 to make the body of his Model T stronger and lighter. For the same reasons - and also for its heat resistance - it was used to make portable artillery pieces and body armour in the First World War.

But vanadium's history seemingly goes back even further. Indeed, mankind may have been unwittingly exploiting the metal as far back as the 3rd Century BC!

So why are we just hearing about it now?

Vanadium is the 22nd most
 abundant element in Earth's crust

Well the main reason is their relatively poor energy-to-volume ratio, and the system complexity in comparison with standard storage batteries. BUT the Vanadium redox battery is an exciting technology because they can be discharged and recharged 20,000 times without much loss of performance compared to the Lithium ion battery, and they are thought to last decades!

What does that mean?

It means its PERFECT for renewable technologies that are producing too much power but with no place to store it! Countries like Hawaii, New Zealand and some states in the U.S are losing a vast amount of power due to no storage space. New Zealand aren't even allowed to use their solar panels at peak times because they are  producing too much energy and they are like "Well... what do we do with it?" Oh the irony! 

Vanadium redox batteries nevertheless provide the answer to a lot of problems we are now starting to face and will be in the future; as the incredible advancements in solar technology being made even during this year by MIT, various companies (Apple are even putting solar screens in the iPhone 6!) and sole inventors means we are pushing ourselves towards a more renewable energy dependent planet which is great, but where are we going to put it when we have this almost abundant amount of energy, Vanadium Redox Batteries of course!  

Photo Credit: BBC Laurence Knight

When are we going to see a change?

According to the BBC the problem Hawaii are facing right now could very well be a problem the whole world will be facing in the next 10 years or 2 world cups and a half from now (how I measure time.) Although some people argue that fossil fuel companies might take advantage of this kind of technology I think that it is needed to make renewable energies more efficient and reliable, we have to think about our future. 

Find more on Vanadium Redox Batteries and how they work on this Wikipedia page here

If this blog has made you consider having your own domestic renewable energy you can use our websites down below for FREE quotes from multiple companies around in your area for Solar panels, Biomass, Air / Ground Source Heat Pumps

• FREE Solar Panel quotes here: http://www.solarpanelquoter.co.uk/?s_eng=blog
• FREE Biomass quotes here: http://www.biomassquoter.co.uk/
• FREE Air /Ground Source Heat Pumps here: http://www.heatpumpquoter.co.uk/?s_eng=blog

I bid you adieu my dear Sirs and Madams!

How to Attach Fascia Board on Gable End Trusses

Measure the depth of the truss ends (use a tape measure to do this) to get the width of fascia needed; The majority will by 1-by-6-inch lumber, but 1-by-4 can be used if the truss rafter is a 2-by-4. Fascia boards can extend below the truss end and usually do if a soffit covering is being installed. Get your tape measure and measure the length of the roof to figure the number and length of fascia boards needed; a single board usually will not cover the full length.

Use a circular saw to cut a square edge on one end of the fascia board for a gable roof. Cut a 45-degree miter for a hip roof, no not 'cool' sadly, if only all 45 degree miters could make your roof cool! Mark the other end of the fascia board to end at the centre of a truss end and cut a 45-degree angle across it, facing away from the house front. Do this on either gable or hip fascia, to make a connection with the abutting board.

Nail the end of the fascia to the end truss with a hammer and 8-penny nails. Place the square edge at the end of the roof and the top of the board flush with the roof sheathing. Put the inside edge of the miter on a hip roof fascia at the end of the corner truss tail. Have help and ladders for this installation. Lift the other end of the board in place and nail it to the centre of the truss. Drive two nails through the fascia into each truss end.

Cut a matching 45-degree angle across the end of the next fascia board, to overlap the end of the first one installed. Measure it and cut it to fit the other end truss; cut it square and flush with that truss end for a gable roof, mitered for a hip roof with the inside edge of the miter flush with the side of the end truss. Install it with two nails in each truss. Put two nails through both boards at the mitered joint.

Repeat the process on the other side of a gable roof, always working from back to front, so the overlapped seams form a smooth joint. Make similar installations on the other three sides of a hip roof, with the mitered ends making 90-degree corners. Drive two medium finishing nails through each side of the miter to secure the corner.

GET FREE FASCIA QUOTES HERE: http://www.fasciaquoter.co.uk/

I bid you adieu my dear Sirs and Madams!

How to remodel your kitchen on a low budget

We've all been there, looking at our old, out of fashion, hag-ridden kitchens and giving a great big sigh when you can't do anything about it. Well hopefully you won't have to any longer with these easy ideas and tips to remodel your kitchen on a low budget. Whether you just do a few or all these helpful tips will instantly boost your kitchens appeal, so lets get crackin'!

Wall Paint 

Simply just changing the colour of your walls is an easy way to update your kitchen's look. Just pick up a tin of paint for £10-£20 and you've almost got a new kitchen! Neutral tones provide an excellent, easy on the eye backdrop for décor. If you plan on using the 'in' trend of colours on your kitchen wall try to minimise the amount you use because once that trend has gone your kitchen will look outdated and you will have to be doing it all over again with more effort! I recommend just highlighting certain features or bits or the odd pattern.

Photo Credit: Aditi Rao

Accent Shelving

A simple but effective way of remodelling your kitchen is removing your cabinet doors. This creates an open space feel and makes the room feel more spacious and free. Plenty of options are available, like painting the back wall in a bright colour, using in-cabinet accent lights or installing glass doors.  Whatever you choose, keep your display items simple and streamlined for an attractive, eye-catching display.

Crown Moulding 

Across the top of your cabinetry, crown moulding lends a custom look to stock cabinetry.  If you paint your moulding, don’t forget that you can be creative for a look that shows your unique style. A cabinet fit for a king!

Photo Credit: Nancy Hugo, CKD 

Paint Cabinetry

A fresh lick of paint on the cabinets changes the entire look and feel of the room.  Use paint with primer to reduce the number of coats you’ll need for coverage.  Also, consider a washable finish to make cleaning your kitchen easier. 

Hardware

In the same way jewellery can change the look of an outfit, new hardware can transform a kitchen.  Switch out knobs and pulls for a dramatic update without spending a lot of money or expending a lot of effort. Even giving them a splash of colour will give it a better feel to your kitchen.

New lighting

Enhance an often-overlooked space – the kickplate.  Run rope lights around the base of your cabinetry for ambience and to create the right mood and atmosphere for parties or family dinners.  You can even use them as a nightlight, so children and guests can navigate easily after bedtime after their midnight snack or yours, cheeky. Make your kitchen a warm and inviting place to be.  Illuminate dark corners and enhance workspace with puck lights installed underneath the top cabinets.

New Taps

A new tap is an easy way to update your kitchen. Hundred or below and you've got a brand spanking new tap! Before you shop, note the number of holes on the back of your current sink and select your new tap accordingly.

Photo Credit: SilverStack

Backspalsh

By adding or changing the backsplash, you can completely change the look and feel of your kitchen.  Plus, today’s peel-and-stick options make getting a look you love easy and most importantly NO GROUT so it's even easier!

Photo Credit: Eileen O'Shea

Countertops

Changing your kitchen’s countertops may be one of the most obvious ways to change its appearance. But, what you might not know is that today’s options are more affordable and better looking than ever. Also if you have a laminate countertop, peel it away and you will be left with a fresh new look as shown in the picture below. Whether you choose laminate, solid surface, granite or quartz, you can find a finish that suits your style and your budget. 

I bid you adieu my dear Sirs and Madams

Is My Home Solar Panel Ready?

Photo Credit: eltpics

The popularity of solar panel installations has increased among home-owners considerably in recent years. Financing options have given more and more people the opportunity to turn the idea of solar energy into a reality, allowing them to cut down on electricity bills, reduce energy waste and increase their home’s value. Unfortunately, even if solar panels are something you can afford and really want to invest in, not every home meets the criteria required to really benefit from them. There are several factors that solar installers consider before determining if a property is a suitable candidate for installation.

Enough sun exposure

One of the first things that needs to be assessed is the amount of sun exposure your roof receives. Obviously, solar panels will only generate enough electricity to power your household if they are able sit in direct sunlight for the majority of the day on a year-round basis. Roofs facing south tend to produce the best results for solar energy. Homes with roofs that are covered by shade are generally not recommended for solar panel installation.

Ownership of the property

It’s important to think about ownership of the property as well when looking into solar panels. Solar installers aren't authorized to perform work on any type of building that is being rented unless the job is commissioned by the owner themselves.

Average amount of electricity used in your home

Your lifestyle, the age and design of your home and your appliances all contribute to the amount of electricity you use. If you are already living very energy efficiently and your monthly electricity bill is fairly low, it may not make sense to spend the money on a solar panel installation. Also, you must consider if you consume quite a bit of energy on average and if solar panels will generate enough to accommodate for that. If not, you may still choose to have panels installed to serve as part of your power source and the rest may come from the grid as normal.

Condition of the roof/useable space

The current condition of your roof is another element to take into consideration. Roofs that need repairs or replacement should be taken care of prior to looking into solar panels. Solar installers don’t suggest placing solar panels on a roof needing work done, however, panels installed on a newly replaced roof can be a source of protection and prolong its life expectancy. Though there are all different panel sizes and designs, a roof with more useable, clear space is generally preferred.

Financial situation/plans for the future

Your financial situation will identify whether or not you are an appropriate candidate for solar panels as well. Even with funding assistance, it can be quite a big expenditure, and not everyone will qualify for financing. Also, keep your future plans in mind because if there’s a possibility of you moving within a few years you may not wish to make such a big investment unless it will significantly increase the selling price of your home.

Reliable solar installers will take a look at all these factors and help you make the right decision on your candidacy for solar panels.

If you think your house qualifies for solar panels you can use this website to get a FREE quote from solar panel installers in your area in seconds! Just click here and have you solar panels on your house in no time!

I bid you adieu my dear Sirs and Madams!

How to qualify for RHI

Anyone who installs a qualifying renewable heat system is eligible to claim the RHI. These are the qualification criteria...

There are several eligibility requirements which must be met for installations to receive tariffs:

First of all you have to be either in England, Scotland or Wales, sorry Northern Ireland!

They must use an eligible type of renewable heat production

Sadly not all renewable heat technologies are eligible. Here's a list of all the ELIGIBLE renewable heat technologies:

Photo Credit: JMacPherson

• Biomass boilers
• Biogas combustion (but only up to 200kWth)
• Deep Geothermal
• Ground Source Heat Pumps (heating water)
• Energy from biomass proportion of Municipal Solid Waste
• Solar Thermal (but only up to 200kWth)
• Water Source Heat Pumps (heating water)

Biomass and biogas heat generation must also use eligible sources of fuel.

The tariff paid depends on what type of energy is used and the size of the system.

There are limits to the system's size

For example solar and biogas heating are only eligible for installations below 200kW. 

This differs to the Feed-In Tariffs where a 5MW ceiling has been applied for all renewable technologies.

They have to be brand spanking new and they have been installed after 15th July 2009

Even then they might not be able to receive tariffs immediately. 

Only new equipment is eligible for RHI; converted installations aren't. However new systems replacing existing renewable technologies will do just fine.

There are some rules and restrictions on the equipment and suppliers you can use

Each eligible installation has to be registered by the energy regulator Ofgem.

There are some specific requirements you must meet. Such as, systems below 45kW capacity must comply with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.

The tariff will be paid based on how much of the heat output of the installation

The heat cannot be wasted and must be used for a prescribed purpose; space, water or process heating (not for electricity production, for example).

There are criteria about how this output should be measured.

The installations will have to be maintained and may be inspected periodically.

Who can claim the tariffs?

The owner of the renewable heat installation is the beneficiary of the tariffs.

Want to learn more about RHI? Read our previous blog to find out more here! http://www.home-improvement-blog.co.uk/2014/04/new-rhi-launched.html

I bid you adieu my dear Sirs and Madams!