The payments are index-linked and are paid for the durations shown on the table.
The amount payable is dependant upon the date the equipment is installed eg
PV's less than 4 kW (retrofit) installed before 31/3/12 pays 41.3p/kw index-linked for 25 years
The same unit installed between 1/4/12 - 31/3/13 pays 37.8p/kw index-linked for 25 years
The same unit installed after 31/3/13 the rate is not known at the time of writing.

To qualify for FIT's both equipment and the installer must have a Microgeneration Certificate ie they must be 'MCS' accredited.

There is some evidence of prices from accredited installers being inflated.
Although you could install some of the equipment yourself, if you are that way inclined, you would not qualify for the FIT's.

Note: The government could withdraw this scheme. We think that anyone with the certificate signed and handed over should be OK. It is a contract. ie the Government should honour it.
However there is a risk of the following:-
Order placed; work in progress; Government withdraws the scheme before the Certificate is handed over.
We would hope, but have had no assurance from anyone, that an order placed before Government withdrawal would be eligible for FIT's.

 For reference when the Government withdrew the last grant scheme they honoured the grants for applications in progress.

If the FIT's are essential for you to proceed with an installation make sure of the following.

1 Which FIT rate you will get
2 The equipment is accredited
3 The installer is accredited
4 The installation will be completed within the qualifying period
5 Do not place an order without 2,3 and4 in writing or as part of the conditions
6 Plan ahead to achieve the above.

It is always advisable to get three quotes and get references from satisfied customers.

Click here to link to details of the FITs on the Governments DECC website.