The UK solar industry has welcomed this morning’s confirmation that the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s (DECC) will delay the next round of feed-in tariff cuts. Some of industry’s most influential spokespeople have come out in support of the move, which means cuts due to go ahead on July 1 will now be delayed.

After Energy Minister Greg Barker yesterday posted DECC’s intentions to delay the cuts on Twitter, the Secretary of State, Ed Davey confirmed the news during today’s oral questions.

The solar industry is hoping this delay will provide the opportunity to reignite the solar market with the message that solar is still a viable investment.

Juliet Davenport, Founder and CEO of Good Energy, said: “The fact is that solar is too great an opportunity to be overlooked. It’s not only a powerful way of giving households and businesses greater control over their energy bills, but has a vital role to play as part of our national energy portfolio.

“Already we’re seeing how solar makes a natural partner for more intermittent forms of renewable generation, like wind. That’s going to become more and more important in years to come, and it’s time to invest today for the energy market of tomorrow.”

Dr Doug Parr, Policy Director at Greenpeace UK, said: “Solar power remains a truly renewable source of power that we need in tackling UK gas dependency and climate change. Many householders will still have the opportunity to contribute to moving the UK to a sustainable low carbon world.”

Paul Barwell, Chief Executive of the STA, said: “There are two great reasons for homeowners to invest in PV today: the costs of solar power have fallen through the floor and our energy bills are going through the roof.

“It is very encouraging for the future that Government is listening to industry concerns, but we need certainty as soon as possible on the details of when and what the next tariff adjustments will be.”

Meanwhile Robert Goss, Managing Director of Conergy UK, said: “The postponement will give property owners and developers another chance to take advantage of continuing high tariffs, but as an industry, what we need is certainty. The uncertainty created by the government is the only reason for recent dampened demand, because good returns are still available.”

DECC is yet to publish an official announcement on the cuts.