For some building-related systems lower tariffs apply if energy efficiency criteria are not met
Energy efficiency criteria were added to the requirements in 2012.
When do energy efficiency requirements apply?
At present they are only applicable to solar PV systems up to 250kW used for buildings (i.e. not ‘stand-alone’ as defined here). They may be extended to other technologies in due course.
What energy efficiency requirement must be met?
The building to which the system is connected must be in an energy efficiency band between A and D as evidenced by the most recent Energy Performance Certificate, which must be no more than 10 years old.
The criterion in the legislation is worded as follows:
7. The Energy Efficiency Requirement applies in relation to a relevant installation if that installation is
7.1 attached to a relevant building; or
7.2 wired to provide electricity to one or more such buildings.
8. Where the Energy Efficiency Requirement applies in relation to a relevant installation, it is satisfied if an appropriate EPC for a relevant building to which the installation is attached or wired as mentioned in paragraph 7 certifies that the building has a qualifying asset rating.
9.1 an appropriate EPC, in relation to a relevant building to which a relevant installation is attached or wired as mentioned in paragraph 7, is an energy performance certificate for that building which—
(a) was issued on or before, but not more than 10 years before, the Eligibility Date of the installation; and
(b) was, on the Eligibility Date of the installation, the most recently issued energy performance certificate for that building; and
9.2 a qualifying asset rating is—
(a) for a dwelling, an energy efficiency rating within rating bands A to D;
(b) for a building which is not a dwelling, an asset rating within rating bands A to D.