Biomass heating technologies range from log-burning on open fires, to wood log or pellet stoves and to more sophisticated automated biomass boilers. Pellet stoves are available at small scales, in the 5 -15 kW size range, whereas biomass boilers are available at larger sizes suitable for large homes. Both technologies can provide heat conversion efficiencies in excess of 90%. The cost for boilers varies depending on the system choice; a typical 15kW (average size required for a three-bedroom semi detached house) pellet boiler would cost around £5,500 - £12,000 installed, including the cost of the flue and commissioning. A manual log feed system of the same size would be slightly cheaper. A biomass powered boiler could save you around £200 a year in energy bills and around 8 tonnes of C02 per year. Smaller 5 kW pellet stoves cost around £1 500 and larger biomass boilers cost £200 to £250/kW thermal output.

Wood pellet is the fuel of choice at the domestic scale as it is dry and has higher energy density than wood chip (which is not used at scales below 30 KW). Because of its finer size, wood pellet also flows better from hopper into the burner.

Unlike other forms of renewable energy, biomass systems require you to pay for the fuel. Fuel costs generally depend on the distance from your supplier and whether you can buy in large quantities.

Please feel free to get in contact with us by email or call 0845 189 9894 to discuss any of your requirements.