FAQs
Will replacements for existing renewable installations qualify?
Yes
Chapter 3 of the government's RHI announcement says
Replacing existing renewables
Renewable heating systems that replace an existing renewable heating system will be eligible for the RHI support. Some stakeholders have claimed that owners of older installations, which are not eligible for the scheme (e.g. completed and first commissioned before 15th July 2009) would replace them, despite being fully functioning, with new installations in order to claim the RHI.
Clearly this would go against the intent of the scheme and would not represent value for money. However, this has been deemed as low risk given the up-front capital that would be required and the disruption caused. Furthermore, making replacement of renewable technologies ineligible would be difficult to enforce and would exclude those with a genuine need to replace old or failing equipment. However, we will keep this situation under review and monitor the types of installations claiming the RHI. If there is evidence that a significant number of new installations are replacing well functioning renewable heating systems, we will take action.
