Building Regulations and the Code for Sustainable Homes A series of step changes to Building Regulations are planned to lead to the building of zero carbon homes by 2016. Each step change requires measures such as increased insulation, better airtightness, greater efficiency in energy use and eventually, sufficient onsite micro generation to fully offset the home’s energy usage from heating, ventilation, hot water, fixed lighting and building services.
Feed-in Tariff (FIT) The Feed-In Tariff (FIT), also referred to as ‘Clean Energy Cashback’, is a Government backed scheme designed to pay homeowners for creating their own “green electricity”. It was introduced in April 2010 to encourage the take up of renewable energy to help fulfil the UK’s target of 15% of total energy from renewables by 2020; this is from a starting point of just 2% in 2009. The tariff gives three financial benefits; firstly, and the most financially attractive, payment is made for all the electricity produced, even if the homeowner uses it. Additionally, a smaller payment is made for electricity exported into the national grid. Thirdly the electricity bill is reduced because the energy produced by the panels reduces the amount drawn from the grid. Tariff levels vary depending on the size of the system but they can be claimed by everyone, including households, landlords, businesses and organisations such as schools and care homes. To be eligible to claim the tariff the solar electrical system commissioned by an MCS accredited contractor. The installer will provide the necessary certification to the property owner, who can forward this in their tariff application to their energy provider.
On cover: Sandtoft’s PV48 solar system integrated with Humber clay plain tiles. On this page: Sandtoft’s PV48 solar system integrated with Humber clay plain tiles. 3