Blogs

A growing number of sporting stadia in the US are now sourcing their power from solar installations. Peter Bennett looks at some of the most high profile examples

The UK has been one of the least attractive PV markets for thin-film solar panels. The market share of thin film in the UK solar industry barely nudges over 1% compared to a global figure that is an order of magnitude higher.

The most popular feed-in tariff bands (0-4kW, 4-10kW & 10-50kW) will be cut by 3.5% across the board come 1 July. What impact will this have on the industry?

Competing with Cornwall on large-scale solar might be a challenge. Competing with Scotland’s first minister, Alex Salmond on wind energy may also be difficult. But finally, Scotland has entered the large-scale solar PV age.

During a Devon Council meeting about a proposed solar farm, Liberal Democrat councillor, Julian Brazil, reportedly said the following: “They [solar farms] look horrible, not dissimilar to concentration camps. But we are told by the planning minister to press ahead with these.”

There remains an uneasy relationship between ‘paid-for’ and ‘rent-a-roof’ solar developers.

When Exeter resident Mr Spencer had his solar PV system fitted nine months ago, he was looking forward to free renewable electricity, lowering his bills, and years of hassle-free feed-in tariff payments from the government.

The UK is forecast to be the fifth largest PV market globally during quarter one of this year.

After setting off five weeks ago, the Solar Power UK series of roadshows drew to a close this week up in Scotland, the final of the seven roadshow locations.

Ofgem published the feed-in tariff rates starting from 1 May. Nothing surprising there except that, on closer inspection, the stated period was marked down as 1 May-1 July not 1 May-1 August.After a bit of digging by Solar Power Portal, DECC confirmed that the Ofgem figures where indeed correct: the next FiT period will be a month shorter than previously expected.