Grid access is increasingly cited as a challenging factor for UK solar but there are things you can do to boost your prospects. Jonny Williams and James Hoare of the BRE look at the six most common problems and how to overcome them.
The government is introducing a new requirement for renewable developers to offer local communities shared ownership of projects. Leonie Greene looks at how this will translate to the UK solar market.
Solar’s path to zero subsidy has been blocked by politically charged interference. The Solar Trade Association’s Paul Barwell talks through the group’s plan to cut costs and boost deployment, how could any government say no?
While the government rails against ground-mount and the commercial rooftop sector awaits its rocket boosters, car ports offer a tangible market for UK installers. Peter Bennett explores the possibility for car ports to help shelter the industry from the storm
Just before the end of last year Rexel conducted some research to determine the public’s attitude towards solar. The results proved pretty alarming. The most worrying statistic? 61% of those we asked had no idea what feed-in tariffs were.
After the frenetic pace of 2014, solar companies will be focused on the straight line to March. It’s going to be a challenging period for many developers and EPCs working in the UK market, but we believe the future remains bright for solar energy into 2015 and beyond.
In the October edition of Solar Business Focus UK I reflected on how the new National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) had resulted in some very different interpretations from the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) on how that guidance should be applied when determining planning appeals for ground mounted solar.
Despite December being considered a ‘quiet time’ for the solar industry, many in the UK solar sector have been busier than ever. With RO closures, CfD auctions and a new government, 2015 promises to be just as eventful as 2014.
Gaynor Hartnell looks at the scope for change in the way electricity is traded and asks what needs to be done to realise the benefits available. It is often felt that generators are overlooked in the discussion of different market models. Hartnell argues that if there are benefits to be had, then the generator should be a key beneficiary.
Anyone involved in the UK clean tech industry has routinely approached George Osborne’s statements with severe trepidation – the chancellor of the exchequer appears to have a weakness for shale gas and often implies that environmental measures are hampering business. Was this year any different?
