the official response from OFGEM for solar on new build that isn't finished. Now, what they don't say is what FiT you can get with an EER exception. If you don't want the FiT you just need to notify the DNO, but. if you can get the export rate (which is higher than the FiT rate anyway) then that would be a good thing.
RECompliance <[email protected]>
Mon, 21 Jan, 11:35
to Dave
Hi David,
Thank you for your email.
The need for an EPC of band D or above is part of the Energy Efficiency Requirement (EER). The EER applies to a PV installation with a TIC of 250kW or less which is wired to a“relevant building” or wired to provide electricity to one or more such buildings.
A relevant building is defined as a roofed construction which has walls and where energy is used to condition the indoor climate, whether this be heating or cooling systems. A relevant building must also be a building in respect of which an EPC can be issued. If any aspect of this definition does not apply to all buildings to which the PV installation is wired to provide electricity to, then the energy efficiency requirement does not apply. The assessment for whether the building meets the definition of relevant building should be made at a single point in time, i.e. the commissioning date.
A SAP cannot be used in place of an EPC, however if when the solar panels are commissioned the houses do not meet the definition of a relevant building (for example, the roof wasn't completed or the indoor climate was not fully installed), then they may be exempt from the EER. In this case, your customers would need to complete declarations from themselves and the EPC assessor. These declarations should give a detailed explanation as to why the buildings in which the installation is wired to provide electricity did not meet the definition of a relevant building on the commissioning date. You can find the template declarations here. The declarations will be reviewed by the FIT licensee as part of the application process.