Solar Guide, the UK’s free online resource for homeowners and engineers regarding all solar-related issues, is encouraging homeowners, small businesses and community projects to find out about the newest way to take advantage of solar energy in the home.

The answer is an upcoming scheme by the Government, the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), which will see people receive tariff payments for installing renewable heat systems in their properties.

The RHI is expected to go live in June 2011. And with just four months left until the launch, Solar Guide is advising potential applicants to use the remaining time to their benefit.

The purpose of the RHI is to increase the level of heat generation in the UK from renewable sources. This scheme has been designed to tie in with the Government’s ambition to reduce the nation’s carbon emissions. 

The scheme hopes to cover all types of renewable heat systems, making it potentially open to everyone.

One example of a qualifying technology is solar thermal and this and many more can be explored at www.solarguide.co.uk.

As part of the RHI anyone who adopts an eligible technology will be able to benefit in three ways.

Firstly, you will not be reliant on gas or oil so you will save money. Secondly, you will receive a payment for the heat and hot water you generate. This is dependent on the amounts you generate, but the payout is up to 18p/kWhr. Thirdly, you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint.

David Holmes, Founder of Solar Guide, said: “As the Government finalises its plans for the RHI, property owners are being offered the perfect opportunity to investigate solar thermal and other renewable heat systems for themselves. The RHI is all about saving money and contributing to a greener environment. As we all know, energy companies are continually hiking up costs for consumers, so this is a chance for people to take control of their heating bills.

 “All the latest information and updates to the scheme can be found on Solar Guide.”

Qualifying technologies include:

• Air, water and ground-source heat pumps
• Solar thermal
• Biomass boilers
• Renewable combined heat and power
• Use of biogas and bioliquids
• Injection or biomethane into the natural gas grid

For more information on the Renewable Heat Incentive, information on solar technology and alternative energy schemes, visit www.solarguide.co.uk