Financial aid for the installation of pellet boilers in rural areas: what you need to know.
In a context where the energy transition has become unavoidable, the installation of pellet boilers represents both an ecological and economic solution. By 2025, with a decrease in state subsidies and an increase in the competitiveness of pellet prices, it is essential for households living in rural areas to understand the various aid schemes available. This article will guide you through financial aids for the installation of pellet boilers, eligibility criteria, and precautions to take to avoid scams.
Financial aids for the installation of pellet boilers
Since January 1, 2025, state aids for wood heating, and more particularly for pellet boilers, are undergoing a new reduction of 30%. This change, although concerning, does not diminish the appeal of installing these boilers thanks to particularly attractive pellet prices: around 6 euros per bag for the winter of 2024-2025. Furthermore, gas boilers will no longer benefit from financial aids, redirecting investments towards renewable systems.
The main aid schemes in 2025
To maximize your investment in a pellet boiler, several aid schemes are available to you:
MaPrimeRénov’: A state aid that comes in an accompanied path and by gesture.
Energy Savings Certificates (CEE): A private aid that complements state aids.
Zero Interest Eco Loan: An interest-free loan intended to finance energy renovation works.
Reduced VAT at 5.5%: Applicable directly on the quote for purchase and installation.
MaPrimeRénov’: an essential support
MaPrimeRénov’ is undoubtedly the main scheme to provide aid for the installation of pellet boilers in 2025. This system has split into two distinct paths, allowing customization according to the needs of households.
The MaPrimeRénov’ paths
Criteria | MaPrimeRénov’ By Gesture | |
|---|---|---|
Income | All | All except "high" |
Housing | Built > 15 years | Principal residence |
Target audience | Owners and landlords | Owners and landlords |
Works | At least 2 insulation actions + ventilation treatment | Single action of choice |
Support | Mandatory | Optional |
Amount | Maximum known aid in advance (63,000€) | Maximum aid of 20,000€ over 5 years |
It is important to note that to benefit from MaPrimeRénov’, the housing must be usually occupied for at least 8 months a year, and RGE certificates (Recognized as Environmental Guarantee) must be provided by the artisans involved in the works.
Energy Savings Certificates (CEE)
The Energy Savings Certificates are another essential scheme to consider. Offered by private companies like Engie, EDF, or Oreco, CEE aims to encourage energy renovation works. They allow to valorize the energy savings achieved through the installation of pellet boilers.
Financial impacts of CEE
For the replacement of an oil, gas, or coal boiler: up to 4,000€ for low-income households.
For other installations: around 200€ to 2,500€ depending on income.
It is necessary to submit a request to an energy supplier or an approved professional to benefit from these bonuses. Be careful not to sign your quotes before receiving confirmation of your aids, as this could compromise your eligibility.
Other aids to consider
In addition to MaPrimeRénov’ and the CEE, other schemes complement the range of aids for the energy transition:
Zero Interest Eco Loan (Eco-PTZ): Allows you to finance your works without any interest. Accessible to all, it can go up to 15,000€.
Reduced VAT: A VAT of 5.5% applies to the installation works of pellet boilers.
Local authority aids: Some municipalities or departments offer specific subsidies to encourage the transition to renewable energies.
Technical criteria to respect
It is crucial to ensure that your pellet boiler meets the required performance standards:
Seasonal energy efficiency (ETAS): Minimum of 77% for 20 kW boilers.
Pollution standards: Fine particle emissions, CO and NOx must meet strict maximum thresholds.
This information is often available on the technical sheet of the boiler or on the certification site Flamme Verte which lists compliant devices.
Beware of scams
With the growing enthusiasm for pellet boilers, it is crucial to remain vigilant. Some unscrupulous companies take advantage of the demand to offer impossible prices.
Signs of possible scams
Low-cost offers: Beware of promises of boilers for 1€. This does not correspond to reality linked to aids.
Too high prices: If you receive a quote exceeding 25,000€ for a standard installation, it is likely that they are trying to inflate the price.
Before committing, obtain several quotes, and ensure that the artisan is indeed RGE to guarantee the quality of the works.
The remaining charge
Finally, let's determine the remaining charge, that is to say, what you will have left to pay after applying the aids:
Income | MaPrimeRénov’ Amount | CEE Amount | Remaining amount to pay |
|---|---|---|---|
Very low | 5,000€ | 4,000€ | 9,000€ |
Low | 3,850€ | 4,000€ | 10,150€ |
Intermediate | 2,100€ | 2,500€ | 13,400€ |
High | 0€ | 2,500€ | 15,500€ |
It is good to know that even if the remaining charge may seem high, the savings made in the long term with a pellet boiler make it a wise investment.
FAQ
1. What are the conditions to benefit from MaPrimeRénov’?
You must be an owner-occupant or landlord of a property older than 15 years and use an RGE professional to install your pellet boiler.
2. What aids are available for the replacement of an oil boiler?
You can benefit from MaPrimeRénov’ for the installation of a pellet boiler and an expense for the removal of the oil tank.
3. How to evaluate the remaining charge after the aids?
You simply subtract the amounts of the aids (MaPrimeRénov’ and CEE) from the total cost of the installation to determine the remaining charge.
4. Are all pellet boilers eligible for the aids?
No, only boilers that meet the energy performance and pollution standards in force.
5. How to ensure that the artisan is certified RGE?
You can visit the France Rénov’ website to find certified professionals near you.