Solar Markets & Finance

The Government is set to invest £110 billion in revamping the UK’s electricity generation infrastructure, according to a new White Paper from the Department of Energy and Climate Change. It aims to raise the percentage of renewable energy sources in the country's electricity generation portfolio from 7% to 30% by 2030.

Marks & Spencer has become the latest victim of Government’s feed-in tariff cuts as the retail chain is forced to abandon plans for a large-scale solar system at its Bradford distribution centre.

The Energy Saving Trust (EST) has this week published a revised estimate for how much money a typical household can save by installing solar panels. By assuming that most UK homeowners are out of the house during the day the EST claims that solar systems will now save just £70 a year.

Government HQ has today revealed that it has cut carbon emissions by almost 14% in just one year, trumping the 10% target set when the Coalition first entered office. The Prime Minister has now set an increased objective to further cut emissions by 25% by 2015.

Landmark buildings in Cambridge are soon to be recognized for their solar generating power as the council looks to cash in on the Government’s feed-in tariff scheme. By installing solar panels on buildings such as the Corn Exchange and on the roofs of Parkside pools the £430,000 project will also reduce the area’s carbon footprint.

Yorkshire-based Solar Europa has begun work on what is thought to be one of the largest free solar schemes in the UK. Under a £1.2 billion contract signed with project finance specialist AD-ECO, the scheme will see approximately 200,000 council and housing association tenants across the country benefitting from solar panel installations.

British Gas has been landed with a £1 million fine for misreporting how much renewable electricity it supplied to non-domestic customers under the Renewable Obligation. The error was made over seven years by British Gas Business, which supplies the company’s business customers.

Swiss photovoltaic specialist Tritec has entered the UK solar market, opening a new branch office in Eastleigh, Hampshire. Although the office has just officially opened, the international wholesaler and PV competence partner has been advising UK specialist tradesmen, roof owners and investors in planning, designing and implementing their photovoltaic systems since May 2011.

Liverpool-based Eco Environments will reportedly close its Darlington office, running its North East business from Newcastle.

Forming one of the country’s major driving forces in helping children improve their green awareness, Eco-Schools has arranged for UK educators to participate in a new solar programme. Providing participating schools with free solar electricity the scheme is expected to roll out country-wise from today.