Editor's Blog > PV
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Hanergy’s UK thin-film aspirations: realistic, optimistic or inevitable?
The UK has been one of the least attractive PV markets for thin-film solar panels. The market share of thin film in the UK solar industry barely nudges over 1% compared to a global figure that is an order of magnitude higher.
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Is free solar distorting the market?
There remains an uneasy relationship between ‘paid-for’ and ‘rent-a-roof’ solar developers.
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DECC’s surprise FiT shortening threatens repairing relationship
Ofgem published the feed-in tariff rates starting from 1 May. Nothing surprising there except that, on closer inspection, the stated period was marked down as 1 May-1 July not 1 May-1 August.After a bit of digging by Solar Power Portal, DECC confirmed that the Ofgem figures where indeed correct: the next FiT period will be a month shorter than previously expected.
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Solar in the UK is more compelling than ever
The domestic solar market is continuing to flatline and consumer confusion is rife. Now is the time for clear messages: solar in the UK is more compelling than ever
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At a glance: What the updated MCS PV guide means for installers
Last week saw the official unveiling of the long-awaited third revision to the MCS PV installation guide. Peter Bennett gives a summary of the key changes.
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Has DECC finally solved the solar puzzle?
In many ways the UK solar industry will be happy to see the back of 2012. Fast-track reviews, legal challenges, reference dates, consultations and RO banding reviews all loomed large over industry.
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What happened to the RO announcement?
It has been 50 days since DECC closed its consultation over proposals to slash the available Renewable Obligation (RO) rate for large-scale solar to 1.5 ROCs. Yet it appears that industry is still no closer to knowing what the RO rate will be from 1 April, 2013 to 31 March, 2017.
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The Energy Bill: what does it mean for UK solar?
The long-awaited Energy Bill was finally presented to parliament today. The bill included a number of factors that are set to significantly impact on the UK solar market.
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Cambridge team launch bid for solar glory
The Cambridge University Eco Racing team (CUER) has unveiled designs for its latest solar powered racing car. Codenamed ‘Daphne’, the prototype is being developed to take part in – and with any luck win – the 2013 World Solar Challenge, an arduous 3,000km road race from north to south Australia in cars powered by the sun.
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The importance of differentiating in a flagging market
After suffering four potential knockout punches, solar (arguably the UK’s most resilient industry) is staggering slightly. Following the latest feed-in tariff (FiT) cut, installations plummeted by over 75%. Such a dramatic drop was expected but the market bounce-back hasn’t been quite as quick as many hoped.
