As the domestic RHI launches today (9 April) heat pump manufacturers remain optimistic that the demand for domestic installations will increase, but stress the importance of correct specification, installation and maintenance.

Here we’ve collated leading manufacturers' reactions:

Clyde MacVeigh, marketing director for Dimplex Renewables, said: “This is the news that everybody in the industry has been waiting for. Finally, consumers can have the confidence to go ahead with the installation of heat pumps, solar thermal and other technologies knowing they will be rewarded for the renewable heat they generate.

“We know there are home owners who are interested in renewable heating technologies but after all the delays this scheme has faced, many were not even speaking to installers until they knew for sure that the funding would be there.

“The next step now is to make sure that everybody in the industry – the government, manufacturers and installers – makes every effort to publicise the funding and raise knowledge among homeowners. There is a fantastic opportunity for householders to make significant savings to their heating bills with lower payback periods than they might expect.”

“The domestic RHI is set to be a game changer for the renewable heating industry, and after a long period of uncertainty and delays,” said Phil Hurley, managing director at NIBE.

“However, now that the scheme is in place it is vital that we don’t turn our attention away from the industry’s role in making it a success. As well as continuing to develop high-performance solutions to meet domestic heating needs, we need to focus on upholding the highest possible standards at every stage of the installation process – with a fully trained workforce to specify, design, install and maintain systems correctly.

“To ensure the RHI vision now translates into reality, it’s paramount that the industry pulls together to become the mouthpiece for the scheme. Effective marketing is the only way to drive consumer awareness about the long-term financial and environmental benefits of renewables. Spreading the right message now will lessen the need for incentives like the RHI in the future, and will help lay the foundations for sustained, organic market growth.”

John Kellett, general manager of the company’s heating systems said: “The domestic RHI makes the case for heat pumps much stronger, especially against carbon-intensive and expensive technologies such as oil, LPG and direct electric.

“We know air source heat pumps are one of the most straightforward renewable technologies to install and that they will provide a constant, comfortable level of heat to a building while lowering running costs and reducing carbon emissions.”

The company has also produced a dedicated website which demonstrates how much a household can receive in RHI payments and how much they will save over gas, oil and LPG heating.

“It will provide financial help to households wishing to make the switch to renewable heating and is a really important step in providing a secure UK energy infrastructure and in reducing carbon emissions,” David Lacey, commercial director of heating and renewables at Daikin UK.

The company recognises there is still plenty of work to be done to ensure the emergence of heat pumps is handled in a fashion that creates sustained interest but said the launch of the RHI represents a significant step in the development of the industry.