News Article
UK Solar Firm Delivers Growth
Burnley solar panel company Solarlec has expanded its installation capacity after announcing a £12m turnover for last year. Solarlec, who predicted a turnover of £7m earlier in the year, has recruited further staff to its installation teams after experiencing a sharp rise in demand for solar installations towards the end of 2011 following the failure of government plans to reduce the subsidies paid to homeowners who generate their own energy through solar panels.
The company, which sold more than 1,000 solar systems last year, has fitting teams working across the UK to complete the majority of solar panel installations within a day. The extra staff will enable Solarlec to take on a higher volume of projects, including large scale commercial installations.
The surge in demand for solar panels came last November after the government announced plans to halve payments made to households and businesses who generate their own renewable energy through solar panels.
Last month, the Court of Appeal ruled that the government acted unlawfully by introducing the lower rate before the end of the consultation period, so the high rate is potentially still available for systems registered by 3 March 2012, subject to a further government appeal.
Solarlec director Ged Rowbottom said: "Creating local jobs and making a positive impact on Burnley's economic outlook is a fundamental part of our business. Despite a difficult financial climate and challenging circumstances throughout 2011 we were able to build a strong and constantly evolving business "“ we look forward to a successful 2012."