Stiebel Eltron sees growth from green grants

A RENEWABLE energy specialist based in Merseyside is anticipating a massive surge in interest from commercial and private property owners after the government announced two incentive packages.

Bromborough-based Stiebel Eltron is one of the world’s biggest renewable energy product makers specialising in heat pumps and solar panels.

UK managing director Mark McManus said that the Feed in Tariff (FIT) and the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) will both provide “significant financial returns” for any property using renewable products to generate heat and electricity.

From April 1, property owners who install low carbon electricity technology such as solar photovoltaic (pv) panels and wind turbines up to 5 megawatts will be paid for the electricity they generate as well as benefiting from lower energy bills themselves under the FIT.

Mr McManus said: “This is without question one of the biggest developments seen in the green energy property market and as a result of these incentives property owners are going to see a major cash return on going green.

“Any property heated by a renewable source such as heat pumps, biogas, solar thermal and waste to energy technologies will see a big pay back.

“It is vital to use experienced installers and reputable equipment. It is very easy to get green energy wrong and end up with inefficient equipment and a poor installation.

“At Stiebel Eltron, we can also guide property owners through the complex grant system to ensure you receive maximum funding to help meet the costs of buying equipment.”

Stiebel Eltron has calculated that a typical 2.5kW solar pv installation could offer a homeowner a reward of up to £900 and save them £140 a year on their electricity bill.

Under the RHI – which is due to come into force in April 2011 – installing a ground source heat pump in an average semi-detached house could be rewarded with £1,000 a year and lead to savings of £200 per year if used instead of heating oil.