Solar Media Staff

Adding to the growing number of training schools in the UK, Able Skills has opened its new solar photovoltaic (PV) centre at its Dartford-based headquarters. The new centre, which has larger roofs for a lifelike teaching experience, will provide students with the experience they need to get started as a solar installer.

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) PV Working Group has updated its DTI Guide for installing PV Systems and is calling for the solar community’s input on the new draft.

Specialist PV fund manager Bluefield Partners LLP has signed a strategic agreement with Azur Solar to finance a range of new 50kW and 150kW systems on industrial, commercial and agricultural roofs across the UK. The systems will be installed for free between now and March, 2012 and consequently will be eligible for the Government’s current feed-in tariff rate. Azur will operate and manage all of the systems.

The draft version of The guide to the installation of PV systems, edition 3 has now been published…

PV engineering, contracting and distribution firm Colexon Energy has received an order for 5,000 First Solar thin-film panels from installers in Cornwall and Oxford. This is the latest major order Colexon has taken for the black, frameless modules, which have proved very popular due to their high energy output.

Following an MCS meeting on Monday, the plan is to finalise and issue the draft of guide by Monday (3rd October).

Aerial mapping company Bluesky is urging property owners to seek independent advice before installing solar panels following recent exposés into rogue traders in the national press. The consumer watchdog Which? found that three-quarters of installers overestimated the production capacity of panels, with many more underestimating the time required to recoup the initial investment.

Adding to the high-profile line up at Solar Power UK 2011, Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker has confirmed he will deliver a keynote speech on the second day of the in-depth conference.

Recent changes to the UK’s permitted development rights (PDR), which remove the requirement for planning permission to be sought for development which meets certain criteria, are expected to bring further clarity to the rules around installing solar systems in the UK.

Inviting leading names from the UK solar industry up to the north east of the country, Solar Flair 2011 will reveal details of the latest advances and opportunities in the UK photovoltaic industry.