Blogs

PV solar fires are in the news – Jerry Hamilton says that now is the time to say ‘no’ to inferior products in the UK

Elon Musk has just told the world that humanity can achieve zero-carbon energy generation. The CEO of Tesla Motors and SpaceX, who is routinely listed as one of the most influential people of the planet, believes two technologies will make this happen: solar PV and energy storage.

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.

Jerry Hamilton argues that DCLG’s recent announcement allows greater use of non-domestic premises for renewable energy generation