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01 · Ask
Heat pump, solar, battery or all?
Different priorities, different ROI. Describe the house, the bills and the budget — the AI tells you what stacks up.
Claim the BUS £9k uplift.
From July 2026 oil-to-heat-pump conversions get a £9,000 BUS grant — what qualifies and how to apply.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Hire a renewables installer. MCS or no grant.
Read the brief on MCS, BUS grants, heat-loss surveys and right-sizing — then let Three local installers quote.
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02 · Read the brief
Walk in informed
BUS £7,500 heat pump grant, SEG export tariffs, MCS certification, EPC requirements, radiator upgrades. Know the rules.
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03 · Compare
Compare 3 installer quotes
Three local installers quote on the same spec — heat-loss, sizing, grants, warranty — so the cheapest isn't accidentally the unfunded.
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Top tips
Hiring a renewable energy, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Use MCS-certified installers only.
BUS, ECO4, SEG payments all require MCS-certified installation. Any installer without MCS means no grants and no SEG export tariff.
Get a heat-loss survey for heat pumps.
Heat pumps must be properly sized to your house heat loss. Insist on a Heat Loss Calculation (MCS-recognised) — never a 'kW per m²' shortcut.
Check radiator compatibility.
Heat pumps run at lower flow temps (35–55°C vs 70°C for gas). Most existing rads are undersized. Cost: £200–£500 per upgraded rad — get this on the quote.
Don't oversize solar PV.
Generation beyond what you export earns 5–15p/kWh (SEG). Generation you use saves 30p+. Right-sized to consumption beats massive arrays for ROI.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Air source heat pump (install)Pre-grant
£8k–£14k
Ground source heat pump
£18k–£35k
Solar PV 4kW system
£6k–£9k
Battery storage (5kWh)
£3.5k–£6.5k
Solar thermal (hot water)
£4k–£7.5k
EV charger (Type 2, 7kW)
£800–£1.5k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
Infographic · VideoThe Renewable Energy briefing.
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Renewable Energy explained
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers a temporary £9,000 grant for oil or LPG to air source heat pump conversions from 1 July 2026 to 31 March 2027. Up from standard £7,500. Off-grid UK rural homes prime target. Expect to pay £3,000–£8,000 for installation after grant.
What Does the Work Involve?
MCS-certified heat pump installer. Property assessment for heat loss. Sizing calculation. New ASHP outdoor unit + indoor cylinder. Radiator upgrades if needed (larger surface area). Underfloor heating optional. Commissioning. MCS certificate + EPC re-assessment.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASHP install standard | 12,000 | 18,000 | Gross before grant |
| BUS grant standard | -7,500 | -7,500 | Existing |
| BUS uplift oil/LPG (Jul 2026-Mar 2027) | -9,000 | -9,000 | Temporary |
| Net cost oil to ASHP | 3,000 | 9,000 | With uplift |
| Radiator upgrades | 500 | 3,000 | If undersized |
| Hot water cylinder upgrade | 800 | 2,500 | Often needed |
| Annual running cost | 800 | 1,800 | Vs £1,500-£3,500 oil |
UK Regulations
BUS extended to 2028 with £1.5bn extra funding. Uplift £9k for oil/LPG 1 July 2026-31 March 2027. MCS certification mandatory. PAS 2030/2035 installer. Ofgem administers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oil or LPG only for uplift?
Yes — only oil or LPG to ASHP qualifies for £9k. Mains gas remains £7,500.
Why temporary?
Target rural off-grid conversion before fossil heat decarbonisation. 8 months window.
How long install takes?
2-5 days typical. Commissioning + EPC re-assessment after.
Will radiators need replacing?
Often yes — heat pumps work better at lower flow temp. Larger radiators or underfloor. £500-£3,000.
Running cost vs oil?
30-50% cheaper running. ASHP COP 3-4. Plus avoid oil price volatility.
Apply before or after install?
Installer applies on your behalf. Grant paid to installer, deducted from your bill.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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