The future’s bright, the future’s solar

It is the belief of Solarplaza that the renewable future of the UK is one that should be built upon the power of solar energy. Many people do not realise that solar PV modules actually become less efficient at higher temperatures thus making the UK climate perfect for solar PV. The south of England is especially suited for PV due to the high levels of UV – comparable to that of middle and northern Germany.

The government introduced the Feed-in-Tariffs (FiTs) on 1st April last year to help encourage microgeneration such as PV. The schemes pay people for creating ‘green’ electricity and once an installation is signed up to the FiTs, the scheme is guaranteed by law for 25 years.

In other countries, such as Germany and Belgium, the FiTs have proved very popular and become a key driver in growing PV adoption. Since the FiTs were introduced in the UK, Ofgem has reported over 22,500 solar PV installations, with the number growing every day. However, with DECC’s recent announcement about the government’s intention to review the FiTs, the UK PV industry looks set to change.

FiTs changes

“The review announcement has created uncertainty in the fledgling solar industry. There is now widespread concern that investment in new business and jobs in the UK solar industry will falter,” said Edwin Koot, CEO at Solarplaza. “The Solar Future UK conference will be a prime opportunity for delegates to analyse the UK market after a year of the FiTs being in place and adjust their future perspectives.”

Industry experts from leading organisations and associations will present on a number of topics at The Solar Future UK so delegates can learn about the future of the FiTs, understand how solar PV can be a sustainable industry for the UK, learn where the PV growth hotspots are, hear how international developments in manufacturing could reduce costs, understand more about the legal aspects when transferring roof ownership, and hear how installations work in practice.