Baxi Ecogen – the only micro-CHP with MCS certification

Published by Jocelyn Rowan for Baxi Group in Environment and also in Central Government, Housing, Local Government

Baxi Ecogen is the only micro-combined heat and power (Micro-CHP) appliance to achieve MCS certification. 

As an MCS certified product, households with a Baxi Ecogen installed are eligible to apply for the Feed-in Tariff (FIT).  This means they will receive 10p for every kW of electricity they generate and a further 3p for each kW that is not used in the home but is returned to the grid.  Typically, this results in a yearly payment of up to £230. 

To apply, the Baxi Ecogen must be fitted by an MCS certified installer, who will provide a FIT eligibility certificate.  The householder notifies their energy supplier and presents the certificate.  Payments will then be made by the energy supplier.

Feed-in Tariffs were introduced in April 2010 to support the uptake of small-scale low-carbon electricity generation and help to deliver the UK’s 2020 renewable targets.

Baxi Ecogen is the first wall-hung, domestic Stirling engine micro-CHP unit to be available, heralding the most significant change in the home heating industry since the condensing boiler.  It doesn’t rely on building orientation or weather conditions to generate electricity, making it a versatile technology for the mass market.

This type of microgeneration has some unique benefits, such as generating electricity at times of peak electrical demand, thus maximising greener on-site use, helping to alleviate fuel poverty and relieving the pressure on centralised power stations at times of peak demand when the most carbon intensive generating equipment is employed. With energy prices expected to rise steeply and the threat of energy supply shortages within five years, micro-CHP is the perfect way of reducing reliance on grid electricity.

The Government is committed to de-carbonising the gas grid network by 15 per cent by 2020, and Baxi Ecogen can also run on biogas, which means it has the potential for even more carbon saving.

Baxi Group worked with BRE Global in order for them to achieve extension of their scope to certify micro-CHP appliances.  Baxi Ecogen appears on the Microgeneration Certification Scheme website, www.microgenerationcertification.org  It will also be promoted on the Green Book Live website, www.greenbooklive.com/microgen which lists products and services with an environmental benefit and accomplished manufacturers of microgeneration products.