Biomass Boilers Questions Answered
Is my Home Suitable?
Do I Need Planning Permission?
Where will the boiler need to be located?
How much hot water will a system generate?
How much will a Biomass Boiler system cost from Gem Solar?
Please contact us to discuss your requirements, and if you like we can arrange for technical survey to give you a precise quote.
Can I choose a particular make of Biomass Boiler for you to install?
We are not tied to a particular manufacturer in order that we can maintain that flexibility to provide for our customers the very best product available at the time.
It also means that we are free to install any equipment a customer wishes. So if there is a particular make of system you have researched yourselves that you would specifically like us to install for you, then please let us know and we will source and quote accordingly.
The survey is required not only to be able to properly asses you property in term of being able to recommend the correct sized system for your home to give you an accurate quote, but also adhere to the MCS (renewable energy installation governing body’s) standards, which requires us to give you the customer the most accurate data possible on how effective the proposed system will be.
Unlike many renewable energy companies we are completely against the use of the typical hard sell techniques used by so many firms. We cannot stress enough that it isn’t an untrained commission based hard sell sales rep that will be visiting your home, but rather a fully trained technical surveyor who is there to give you the information required and answer any questions you may have.
The whole survey process involves a complete property heat loss survey and should take about an hour.
What can I expect to save in energy?
This will of course vary depending on how much energy you use to heat your home and hot water, how well insulated your house is, and the type of Biomass fuel you decide to use.
The systems are extremely efficient, even compared to a modern condensing boiler, so you should expect to use less energy than you currently use to heat your home and hot water.
The biggest savings can be achieved where you have access to a free or inexpensive source of biomass fuel (such as free logs), where you can heat your home for free. Even if you are using a pellet system a biomass boiler is still significantly cheaper to run that a gas, oil, or electricity run system.
As well as savings in the amount of energy you need to pay for you will also be eligible to earn extra revenue through the Renewable Heat Incentive.
What can I expect to earn from my Biomass system?
This 7.42p per kWh is paid to you even though you will be using the energy you create yourself in your own home. You are effectively getting paid for doing your bit to help the environment – it’s a thank you from the government for being a part of the solution to the planets problems rather than being a continued user of the non-sustainable energy produced by the big power companies.
For current Biomass installations this payment is fixed for the next 7 years, giving you plenty of time to earn a considerable income from your System, tax free. There is unlikely to be a better time to get a Biomass system installed to maximise your earnings from this incentive.
How long will it take the system to repay its investment?
Is there much paperwork I need to do to get my system registered for the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme?
What maintenance of the system is required?
A biomass boiler requires ash to be emptied, as some basic cleaning approximately every 2 weeks depending on the type of fuel burnt and frequency of usage, however this takes only a few minutes and the small amount of ash waste created is great for the compost heap.
Just like a standard boiler a regular annual service is recommended.
Gem solar is always on hand for any routine maintenance or any problems and we always make sure we recommend reliable boilers for which spares have guaranteed long term and next day availability.
Can a Biomass System work alongside my Boiler?
Will I need new radiators and hot water tank?
How long will it take from placing my order to get the system installed?
What size system will I need?
This very much depends on your water and central heating energy usage primarily, as well as how well insulated your home is.
The most important thing is to make sure you get a system large enough to supply the heating and hot water you require, and we will make sure you are advised accordingly.
How long will the system last?
Conservative estimates for the current standard of the technology and the high standard of the equipment that we recommend, you should expect a system life span of at least 20 years, if the system is suitably maintained.
What reassurance can you give?
We use the best quality equipment and we will always match the warranty on the equipment with the same warranty on the installation.