Biomass boilers still far outstrip solar thermal in the renewable heat stakes, according to the latest government data on the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), released yesterday.
As of December 31 2015, solar thermal systems accounted for just two per cent of total non-domestic applications under the RHI and 12 per cent of domestic applications, the figures show.
The non-domestic RHI has received 276 applications for solar thermal systems under 200kW since the scheme's launch in November 2011, although just 203 of these have been accredited. In comparison, application for sub-200kW biomass boilers hit 12,631 as of the end of last year, with 11,755 accredited - by far the most popular non-domestic technology.
Meanwhile under the domestic RHI, which launched in April 2014, solar thermal made up 2,374 applications - 12 per cent of the total - although only 2,129 of these were accredited under the subsidy scheme. Biomass systems made up 42 per cent of applications, and air source heat pumps 38 per cent, the figures show.
The Solar Trade Association (STA) said the long delay in introducing the domestic RHI and red tape surrounding access to the scheme could have slowed deployment rates. However, it said its own research shows an "encouraging increase" in interest from consumers in the solar thermal market, and called on the government to do more to communicate the value of solar thermal.
The RHI is currently under review by the government in a bid to shave £700m off the cost of the subsidy programme. The precise details of how the scheme will be reformed are yet to be released, although industry insiders are concerned that a cut in funding could leave the UK unable to meet its 2030 renewables energy targets.
Leonie Greene, head of external affairs at the STA, urged the government to stick with the RHI as the main policy vehicle for rolling out renewable heat technologies.
"The government has rightly recognised the need to do much more to boost renewable heat in the UK," she said in a statement. "The Renewable Heat Incentive is the key driver for this, and the government needs to do more to communicate this programme and remove red tape. It is taking some time for the market to develop but we are urging them to stick with the programme and work with industry to communicate the tremendous benefits of solar thermal."
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