The solar industry waited with bated breath for any relevant news from chancellor Philip Hammond’s spring budget this week but were left disappointed after there was no mention of a respite for commercial solar business rates. An expected announcement of a replacement for the Levy Control Framework beyond its 2020/21 delivery year was also not forthcoming. Elsewhere this week Lightsource made a senior hire and hinted at more in the pipeline, while we spoke to RenEnergy MD about post-subsidy business models.
Hammond ignores solar tax hike concerns in spring budget
Chancellor Philip Hammond has offered nothing to address concerns over the increased business rates applied to properties with solar in his maiden budget delivered earlier today.
Schools to be hit by almost £2 million annual bill from solar tax hike
Schools in England and Wales could face an annual bill of almost £2 million if the government goes ahead with the planned introduction of business rates on small solar installations, according to the Green Party.
Lightsource appoints new strategy officer to drive global ‘smart energy’ ambitions
Lightsource Renewable Energy has appointed a new chief strategy officer to help it evolve from a pure solar company to a “global leader in the smart energy market”.
Budget 2017: does it offer anything for the green economy?
David Pratt outlines what chancellor Philip Hammond's first (and last) spring budget offered to the low carbon community, paving the way for what should be a meatier autumn statement.
Q&A: Damian Baker, managing director of RenEnergy
David Pratt talks to Damian Baker, managing director of RenEnergy, on the future of large scale solar deployment once the ROC scheme closes on 31 March 2017.