Solar Markets & Finance

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.

UK-based building contractor, Prater, has launched a solar division specializing in energizing the building envelope in order to maximize sustainability credentials. By offering an integrated version of solar photovoltaics, the company provides UK customers with a more aesthetic approach to renewable energy generation, as well as another way of taking advantage of the country’s feed-in tariff.

While almost everyone in the UK solar industry is disappointed with Government’s decision to review feed-in tariff rates, the less well-off may have more reason than most to feel thwarted. Greg Barker argues that the proposed cuts will help the general public to benefit from solar power, yet the reluctance shown by UK banks…

Renewable energy company OPUS Green has started the ‘Green Revolution’ to help get out-of-work tradesmen back into full-time employment as part of the Government’s upcoming Green Deal. Working in collaboration with OPUS Building Services, the company has recruited tradesmen who have found themselves out of work due to the recession.

For many installing solar photovoltaics is a great idea in theory, but when it comes to deciding which installer and products to use the prospect can be a little daunting. Easing the UK public into the process, CompareMySolar.co.uk offers prospective energy generators the opportunity to assess the potential of their roof without having to go through the lengthy process of getting custom quotes.

Energise Barnet, a community initiative set up by local residents, plans to set up a network of ‘green’ buying groups in order to help homeowners and local businesses generate their own electricity and make their homes more energy efficient.

Wagner Solar UK today opened its doors to UK installers as it officially launched the Wagner Academy training programme. Run by expert instructors, the school will provide product training directly to PV and solar thermal installers in a bid to promote a better understanding of the latest products and installation techniques.