Before installing a biomass energy system there are a number of considerations that should always be made:

• Is a biomass system suitable for this application?  Is the heat demand likely to be suitable?
• Where will the fuel be supplied from, and what are its characteristics?
• Where can the fuel be stored and how can it be delivered to that store?

There are a number of regulations relating to the installation of solid fuel heating systems that apply to biomass systems.  Many are derived from those originally drawn up for coal and smokeless fuel systems and may be imperfectly suited for modern biomass systems, which can cause difficulties.

These include:

• BS EN 303 Part 5:1999
• Building Regulations
• Clean Air Act.

These include:

• Supplier/installers
• Supplier/installers with fuel supply contract
• Energy supply company (ESCO).

There is a growing number of specialist courses available around the country, covering the installation of biomass heating systems. There is a list of such courses available from the link below.