HEAT PUMP ACCREDITATION

In order for heat pumps to receive support under the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) tariff scheme an installation will have to be accredited. Accreditation is the process of Ofgem determining whether an installation meets the eligibility criteria of the scheme. In order to gain accreditation, an applicant will have to demonstrate that the heat pump meets all the appropriate eligibility criteria (e.g. acceptable heat-use, metering arrangements).

Ofgem will require submission of a schematic diagram of the plan to include details of the heat pump and the location of meters and associated components.

The applicant must also meet the ongoing obligations required under the scheme (e.g. use of equipment, maintenance). In practice this will be dealt with through the application process. Once Ofgem is satisfied that all eligibility criteria have been met and the applicant will comply with the ongoing obligations of the scheme, it will then accredit the installation and the applicant will become a participant in the scheme; at this point the participant will become eligible for support

As a condition of receiving support, participants will be required to maintain their equipment to ensure it is working effectively. Participants will be required to keep any evidence of maintenance work carried out, for example, servicing receipts and to provide this evidence, on request, to Ofgem. As part of any annual declaration, a participant will also be required to declare that the equipment is maintained.

PRELIMINARY ACCREDITATION

The Government intends to allow applicants to apply for preliminary accreditation. In practice this would mean that an organisation can submit plans and evidence demonstrating that, once built, an installation would meet the eligibility criteria of the scheme. If Ofgem is satisfied that all eligibility criteria would be met, it would then grant preliminary accreditation. Providing that the installation is then built in line with the plans submitted, or, where changes are made, Ofgem is satisfied that the project still meets the eligibility criteria, the installation would then be granted full accreditation.

For small and medium-sized heat pumps (up to and including 45kWth), both installers and equipment are to be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or equivalent standard, helping to ensure quality assurance and consumer protection

MONITORING

During the first phase of the RHI, installations will be monitored to enable government, manufacturers, installers and individuals to better understand how to achieve maximum performance in real-life situations in peoples homes. Those who pursue installations under the premium payment must also adhere to strict criteria, including having a well-insulated home based on its energy performance certificate and agreeing to monitor and record how the equipment performs.