Solar Markets & Finance

The backlash to the U.K. Government’s decision to launch a comprehensive review of its feed-in tariff on Monday has begun. Dissenting voices are becoming increasingly audible, with ministers publically bemoaning the coalition’s decision and airing fears about its long-term impact on the solar industry.

jms Solar Handel, the Bavarian PV specialist, has expanded its European network of branch offices by opening of its first branch in Portishead, Bristol. The newly founded subsidiary jms UK Solar Trade Ltd. is initially planning to concentrate on the south-east part of the country and to gradually expand its distribution network.

Solar power manufacturer Sharp has formed a partnership with Eco Environments, adding the company to its global list of solar module suppliers. 

UK solar energy company Sundog Energy has made several recruitment alterations, including the appointment of Bill Roberts as Managing Director and shareholder in the company.

Reacting to the recently-launched feed-in tariff review, community-owned energy companies across the UK have come together to express their thoughts on the announcement as well as to discuss how to move forward past Energy Minister Chris Huhne’s decision to evaluate the FiT for systems above 50kW.

Confirming fears that have been mounting in recent weeks, Energy Secretary Chris Huhne has launched a comprehensive review of the UK feed-in tariff (FiT) scheme…

OPDE, the Spain-based international company dedicated to the development, construction, operation and maintenance of solar farms, is now active in the UK. OPDE expects to develop and construct over 200MW in globally by 2012 and is currently acquiring licenses in order to do so.

German solar equipment manufacturer Conergy has entered the UK market, opening a new representative office located in Milton Keynes. The company, which manufactures solar modules, inverters and mounting systems, brings 12 years of experience in the global PV market to the ever-growing customer base in Britain.

Germany-based photovoltaics system provider MAGE solar has entered the UK solar market with the entrance of its own sales representatives in Britain. Effective February 1, MAGE Solar, part of the globally operating MAGE Group, will be offering a portfolio designed specifically for the British market with high-quality MAGE Powertec modules, intelligent MAGE Safetec installation systems and high-performance brand-name inverters on-site.

Following its 100% capacity increase, reported in July last year, Sharp UK has announced the creation of 300 new jobs at its solar manufacturing plant in Wrexham, Wales. This news takes the company’s total number of UK-based employees from 800 to 1,100.