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Biomass Boiler and Pellet Boiler Prices in the UK
How much does a Biomass or Pellet Boiler Cost?
When considering switching your current domestic energy source to a renewable energy alternative most people will probably think of solar power. However, heating your home with the installation of a biomass boiler also represents another option. Here we consider some of the things that you will need to take into account when looking at biomass boiler prices and whether having a biomass boiler fitted in your home makes sense to you.
At present biomass boilers represent only a small part of the overall boiler market. Undoubtedly this is because of the high cost of biomass boiler prices and their installation costs. It is estimated that typically it will cost you around £12,000 - £20,000 to have a biomass boiler installed in your home. Manual biomass boilers are perhaps a cheaper alternative – this is because the wood/fuel is fed into the boiler by hand. Manual biomass boilers are perhaps a cheaper alternative – this is because the wood/fuel is fed into the boiler by hand. A manual biomass boiler, rather than a self-loading one, will perhaps save you around £5,000 to have installed.
The other thing that needs to be considered when looking at biomass boiler process is their running costs. Biomass boilers use wood pellets as their fuel source and these typically cost around £150 - £200 per tonne. A typical home will probably use around 3-7 tonnes of fuel per year depending on size and usage, with fuel costs ranging between £150-£200 per tonne for pellets. When you consider that a typical home will probably use around 11 tonnes of fuel per year then you can perhaps add a further £2,000 onto the cost of the first year of having a boiler installed into your home. Against this, the government does offer some help in the form of its Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).
It is certainly the case that using renewable energy sources such as having a biomass boiler installed in your home will greatly reduce the amount of electricity or gas that you will consume in a typical year. However, you do need to bear in mind that it my take many years to achieve this savings when you consider the initial outlay that has to be made to have the boiler installed. In the long run, and once you have recouped your initial outlay, however, it is unquestionable that you will make significant savings on your energy costs.
In addition to wood pellets, biomass boilers can also use wood chips and logs. Wood chips generally cost between £100-£150 per tonne, while logs cost around £60-£100 per tonne. The type of fuel you choose will affect running costs and fuel storage requirements.
Perhaps the other thing that you need to think about when looking at biomass boiler prices is 'how will having what is currently an unconventional source of domestic energy production fitted in your home affect its value?' There is currently very little research into this question so you might need to think about this carefully, especially if you are thinking about moving home in a few years time.
Like all types of renewable energy sources, biomass boilers remain at present an expensive option to conventional domestic energy sources. However, this could well change in the coming years as the more popular they become the more that prices will fall.
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Table of Biomass Boiler Prices for the UK
| Boiler Type | Cost of Boiler | Installation Cost | Fuel Cost £/ton | Annual Maintenance Cost | Total Annual Running Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Pellet Boiler | £5,000 - £10,000 | £3,000 - £5,000 | £300 - £500 | £200 - £250 | £1,500 - £2,000 |
| Large Pellet Boiler | £15,000 - £25,000 | £5,000 - £8,000 | £500 - £1,000 | £200 - £250 | £3,000 - £5,000 |
| Wood Chip Boiler | £10,000 - £20,000 | £4,000 - £6,000 | £300 - £600 | £50 - £100 | £1,000 - £2,500 |
| Log Boiler | £7,000 - £12,000 | £3,000 - £5,000 | £200 - £400 | £50 - £80 | £1,200 - £2,000 |
| Combined Heat and Power (CHP) | £20,000 - £50,000 | £8,000 - £15,000 | £1,000 - £2,000 | £200 - £2,000 | £4,000 - £7,000 |
* This information is accurate to the best of our knowledge on 24/06/2024. Please contact installation companies for quotation.
Maintenance for biomass boilers typically involves regular ash removal, annual servicing, and flue cleaning. Depending on the system, annual maintenance costs can range from £200 to £500.
Factors Effecting Costs and the BUS
Biomass boilers and pellet boilers are renewable energy systems that have gained popularity in the UK due to their eco-friendly nature and cost-effectiveness in the long run. These boilers are designed to burn organic/biomass fuel, such as wood pellets, wood chips, logs or bio-waste, to generate heat and hot water for residential and commercial buildings. As the demand for sustainable heating solutions grows, the prices of biomass and pellet boilers in the UK have become a significant consideration for those looking to invest in greener alternatives to traditional heating systems.
In the UK, the prices of biomass boilers and pellet boilers can vary based on several factors, including the boiler type, size, capacity, and efficiency rating. On average, the cost of a fully automated biomass boiler can range from £10,000 to £20,000, while smaller pellet boilers or wood burning stoves will generally cost less, ranging from £2,000 to £15,000.
The installation costs also need to be taken into account, as they can add several thousand pounds to the overall investment. Installation complexities are common with biomass boiler systems.
When installing a biomass boiler, you will need to consider fuel storage. Most homes will need space for several tonnes of fuel, and the frequency of deliveries will depend on your fuel consumption and storage solution.
To encourage homeowners and businesses to adopt renewable heating technologies and reduce their carbon footprint, the UK government has introduced various financial incentives and schemes, one of which is the boiler upgrade scheme. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides up to £7,500 toward the installation of a biomass boiler, depending on eligibility. The exact amount of financial aid depends on the type of boiler, the efficiency of the chosen model, and the applicant's circumstances. Typically, the grants can cover a significant portion of the installation costs, making renewable heating systems more accessible and affordable for consumers.
The switch to biomass and pellet boilers can lead to substantial long-term savings on energy bills. Organic materials used in these boilers are renewable and often locally sourced, they are generally more cost-effective than traditional fossil fuels, which are subject to price fluctuations in the global market.
Environmental Benefits and Emissions
While biomass boilers are considered a renewable energy source, they can emit particulates and NOx. To minimize emissions, it’s important to use high-quality fuel and maintain the system properly. In areas with stricter air quality regulations, additional filtration systems may be required.
Some providers of biomass fuel ensure that any organic fuel they sell is regrown. This process ensures carbon neutrality and is the underlying concept of biomass boilers as a renewable energy technology.
One of the primary benefits of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is its contribution to reducing the nation's carbon emissions. Biomass and pellet boilers provvide a renewable alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based heating systems. By incentivizing the adoption of these green technologies, the UK government aims to move closer to its sustainability targets.
Space and Installation Challenges
Biomass boilers, particularly those using wood chips or logs, require significant space for both the unit and fuel storage. Smaller systems, such as pellet boilers, are more suitable for homes with limited space, especially in urban areas.
It’s important to choose a biomass boiler system that matches your home’s heating needs. Oversized systems can be inefficient, while undersized systems may struggle to provide adequate heat. Consult a professional to determine the right size for your property.
Planning Permission and Insurance
Homeowners may need to check with local authorities regarding planning permission, especially for external flue installations. Additionally, it’s advisable to review insurance policies, as biomass boilers might require different coverage due to their fire risk.
In Conclusion
The prices of biomass and pellet boilers in the UK have become more competitive as demand has increased and technology has advanced. The boiler upgrade scheme introduced by the government serves as a significant driver in promoting the adoption of renewable energy systems, making them more financially viable for consumers and accelerating the transition to a greener and more sustainable future. By investing in these environmentally friendly heating solutions, homeowners and businesses can not only reduce their environmental impact but also enjoy long-term savings on energy costs.
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