New Build and EPC's

[Worcester]

We've suddenly been swamped with new build inquiries, and with the rate of change of Feed In Tariff rates, wondered what the situation was on occupancy / EPCs' etc - what is the earliest they can register for FiT and what hoops need to be jumped through, how can we get the highest tarrif rate, as early as possible?

Thx

 

[TedM]

You should apply for a FiT contract with a supplier as soon as the system is 'commissioned' and a new-build 'On Construction EPC' can be submitted with the application along with the MCS cert.

The builder is responsible for obtaining the EPC, but the building must be 'complete' before it can be issued. The EPC should be dated on or before the commissioning date.

There is probably some scope for discussion with the builder and his energy assessor on exactly how he can provide EPCs for his new builds in a timely manner.

I'm not sure if it is possible to get a FiT contract on a new-build before it has been sold to the first occupier, if that was the intention - would need to be discussed with a friendly manager at a supplier. Possibly you will find some who can agree to this and others who cannot.

 

[Worcester]

Thanks TedM, comprehensive as always, the difference here is that all of ours are for Self Builders as opposed to developers/builders, so none of them even know were to start.

From what you've said though, it looks as though we can't / shouldn't commission the PV system before the EPC is issued, occupancy is not per se an issue as they already own the land / (at this moment) shell with 1/2 roof on and MPAN/ power supply in their name.. goals is to get them earning as soon as possible as the occupy it as they build....

 

[TedM]

OK, for self-builders there may be other issues.

They may be able to occupy before B Control have given their final sign-off. The owner should get written permission from BC to do this - which BC should only allow if it is safe to do so.

But they still shouldn't apply for the FiT until they have that EPC. If they haven't already got an assessor lined-up to do it then getting one sorted should be a high priority.

They have presumably already submitted a Predicted as part of the B Regs compliance. But this still needs to be re-visited to make sure the EPC reflects the as-built condition. It may be down to individual assessors as to what stage the build is at when they will do this - they may want to see the results of an air-tightness test, for example.

My neighbour, who is a DEA, does not handle On-Construction, so I know very little of the actual detail involved as we have not discussed it.

 

[Worcester]

Thanks TedM, as we've got 6 of these self build projects on our books at the moment, I'll dig deeper and get my head around the process As ususal most of the DEA's around here just do a job, so few of them have ever needed to ponder this question!

 

[Gavin A]

You should apply for a FiT contract with a supplier as soon as the system is 'commissioned' and a new-build 'On Construction EPC' can be submitted with the application along with the MCS cert.

to be clear, that EPC can only be issued after the house is completed, they won't accept the on plan EPC, and because there already will be an on plan EPC no other EPC assessor can issue a standard EPC at an earlier date than the completion EPC can be issued.

 

[Worcester]

Thanks GavinA, life is simple isn't it!

 

[Gavin A]

oh yes. Absolutely ridiculous way of doing things seeing as the house has to meet the on plan EPC requirements once completed, so there's no logical reason not to allow it to be used.

 

[BruceB]

For new builds/self builds, you should be commissioning the solar pv, solar thermal, heat pumps etc before it will be signed off by building control or an approved inspector, because they will be expecting to see the commissioning certificates if those systems were on the original plans/building notice. The EPC will not be issued until the DEA has seen the MCS certificates.

For RHI you must commission before occupation or a self build will require a GDA. And a self build will have to wait 6 months before applying for RHI or install metering if they want to apply straight away.