Energy Performance Certificates

What is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate is a document that rates how energy efficient a property is, whether commercial or residential. The certificate provides a building with a grade which represents its efficiency. The Department of Energy and Climate Change have announced that as of 31st March 2012, homes must reach a certain energy standard in order to qualify for the high feed in tariff of 16p per kWh.

This means that when considering installing solar panels, in order to be able to make the most of the highest feed in tariff available, homeowners will need to get their properties assessed by a qualified EPC supplier to achieve their efficiency grade.

The Rating System

The EPC rating is based on a number of factors including insulation, ventilation, windows, hot-water systems, radiators and light bulbs.

To receive the higher FIT rate, an Energy Performance Certificate showing your property to have an EPC rating of at least 'D' will need to be submitted alongside an MCS certificate from your Solar Panel Installer.

If your property does not meet an EPC rating of at least 'D' the assessor will provide you with recommendations on how to improve how energy efficient your home is. If your property cannot achieve an EPC rating of at least 'D', even after upgrading, you will still receive a FIT rate of 7.1p per kWh of electricity generated.

How to obtain an EPC

To obtain an EPC, a home owner would have to have an accredited Energy Assessor visit the property to collect data required for assessing energy features. The assessment will grade the building using an energy efficiency rating graded between A – G. A property will need a minimal grading of 'D' to receive the higher feed in tariff. SEHBAC are one of a small selection of companies that are licensed to asses a property and supply homeowners with an Energy Performance Certificate before you install Solar Panels.

For more information call us today on 0147 346 7188.