News

Specialised cell and module manufacturer China Sunergy has signalled its intent to establish itself in the UK solar industry by securing the UK government’s Microgeneration Certification Scheme accreditation.

A bungalow in North-East England has become the latest addition to the Sharp Solar family, after its owners decided to install a 3.96kW system. Mr Lloyd and Mrs Matterson of Murton, County Durham have invested £15,000 in the rooftop system, which is likely to reward them with annual savings to their electricity bill of nearly £200.

The UK’s first publicly-owned solar power station has moved a step closer to realisation after pledges for the ground-breaking project passed the £250,000 mark. However, project managers Ovesco are still looking for a further £5,000 to be invested by May 9 to ensure the ground-breaking project goes ahead.

Oskomera Solar Power Solutions UK (OSPS), one of Europe’s leading PV system integrators, has become the latest company to receive the British government's Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accreditation.

Energy giant E.On is set to invest up to £150 million in a new solar initiative that could provide to 15,000 customers with solar power installations costing as little as £99. The SolarExchange plan could save E.On’s UK customers as much as £180 on their annual energy bill.

Last week SunConcept began the installation of a 75kW solar system for ACE Office Environments in Bournemouth. When completed on May 6, the new system will be one of the largest on the south coast.

Cambridge-based Enecsys has secured £25 million (US$41 million) in equity financing to help further develop its micro inverter systems technology.

Despite the furore surrounding feed-in tariff review, employment in the UK solar industry has increased by 32% in the first four months of 2011, according to figures from Capital Green UK. While the majority of the 951 new positions came in the sales sector, there was also a significant rise in the number of technical jobs.

The fate of a solar power project in Dorset will be decided today as planning officers from North Dorset District Council meet with the project developers to make a verdict on whether the plant should go ahead or not.

As part of its continuing expansion in the UK, EvoEnergy has appointed Nick Offer as Managing Director of its commercial business. Offer joins the team from Arup, where he led the team that developed the design for the 2012 Olympic Village. He was also the director in charge of the creation of the Shard, located at London Bridge.