Editor’s Blog

Despite the fact that 2010 was the 12th coldest year since records began, the UK has had an incredible year in terms of solar power installation figures. As the New Year rang in, Energy Regulator Ofgem posted up its latest figures, recording over 45MW for the period April 1 to December 31, 2010.

If the past few months have proved anything about renewable energy, it’s that solar power, under the direction of the feed-in tariff (FiT), is the fastest-growing source of green power in the UK. According to the latest figures from Ofgem, since the introduction of the FiT on April 1, 2010, the total installed capacity of solar was almost 40MW (39.241MW) while wind reached 13.021MW and hydro and micro CHP only managed 7.666MW and 0.014MW, respectively. So, if the solar power industry is taking off at such a great rate, why is the Government so keen to put the kybosh on its growth?

A recent media tempest has been brewing in response to the swelling success of the large-scale solar plants in the UK, with mainstream hacks uniting against the installation of solar photovoltaics on green or brown field sites. Several mainstream publications have reported negative comments in relation to solar panels appearing on Britain’s land, claiming that the renewable technology will “blight our countryside,” “waste taxpayers’ money” and “prevent farmers from growing crops”. As I discussed in my recent post, ‘Does the solar panel gold rush really threaten to ruin our countryside?’ none of these points are valid when examined closely.

There has been a lot of recent whining in the mainstream press about solar on farmland ‘ruining our countryside’ and ‘wasting taxpayers’ money’ when the facts have undoubtedly not been analysed. Clearly there is a case for solar power on farmland in the UK…

With the HM Treasury review done and dusted, the feed-in tariff (FiT) for micro-generation that includes solar energy has emerged unscathed. This is good news and a clear indication that both Conservative and Liberal Democrat politicians recognise that supporting renewable energy should remain a key strategy to meet carbon reduction goals set for 2020 through 2050.

The Conservative party conference being held in Birmingham this week may prove to be the last word from politicians before the comprehensive spending review by the Treasury is released on the 20th of October.

As noted in our news today, consumer watchdog, Which?, warns that consumers who opt for free solar schemes are losing out on the chance to earn £10,500, since the free solar installation company earns the UK’s generous feed-in tariff rate. Since this report will get many of you hot under the collar, we thought we’d have a look at the pros and cons of installing your own system vs. the free offers, and why people should not feel ripped off if they have already opted for the latter.

The potential solar power has in the UK is becoming more clear as the year progresses. Here at the Solar Power Portal, we have been reporting on all things solar in this country, from FREE installation offers to large-scale power plant plans, but how do you know who you can really trust in this new industry?

As expected, another company has jumped on board the free solar bandwagon. Southern-based ISIS Solar has announced its plans for the installation of an initial 18,000 solar systems, beginning in the south of the UK, and working upwards as the year progresses.

A £15 million donation should never be sneezed at, especially when it relates to renewable energy, however many may find the news that British Gas has started a £15 million project to supply 1,100 schools with free solar systems worth between £20,000 and £40,000 pounds each, curious.