Given the backdrop of a miserable contract for difference (CfD) performance for solar, where only five projects managed to successfully snag support, a general air of optimism was still noticeable throughout all of the first day’s speakers.
The bulk of campaigning is done and the UK electorate will take to the polls next week, but who has committed the most to renewable energy, and where will solar stand in the next government’s term?
Giving a local community an opportunity to invest in solar can have a transformative effect on public opinion. Liam Stoker went to visit Big60Million’s Willersey solar farm on its anniversary to see first hand the positive impact of the scheme.
A survey of MPs unearthed a shocking secret: MPs know that solar farms are the most popular energy plants amongst their constituents. Peter Bennett asks why elected officials are willfully ignoring the majority of their constituents’ wishes by blocking solar farm developments
While solar arrays are far from a significant cause of fires in the UK, they can create extra challenges for firefighters. Peter Bennett assesses what the industry can do to reduce the risks and allow the emergency services to work as safely as possible.
The government’s push for community-owned energy projects presents some intriguing opportunities for solar developers. Abid Kazim explores the financial options for community programmes
The Department of Energy and Climate Change recently commissioned Grant Thornton and Pöyry to gather feedback on the government’s Electricity Market Reform programme. Gaynor Hartnell outlines her responses to the current state of the CfD for solar.
As one of only five solar companies who won a CfD following the inaugural auction, Kareen Boutannat from Lightsource Renewable Energy asks if CfD is capable of supporting utility-scale solar in the near future.
Solar PV and storage are championed as the Holy Grail for true mainstream adoption of renewables. Gaynor Hartnell warns that the solar sector must not ignore wind’s potential and the importance of existing energy infrastructure.
