The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is the world’s first long-term financial support programme for renewable heat.  The proposed scheme is due to launch in August 2013; however, systems installed after July 2009 are proposed to qualify.  

It is recommended that the government will pay individuals 17.3p per kWh for 7 years (a kWh of gas costs around 4p).  For a standard 2 panel system, this means £190 per year and a total of £1,329 over the 7 years support period. 

These amounts are still draft and are not guaranteed and are only indicative of the sums that you might receive.

The government’s current proposal is that all solar hot water installations carried out by MCS accredited installers will qualify for this scheme.

You will also make annual saving on your hot water heating bills of between £60 and £80 [Source: Energy Saving Trust].