News Article
STA Calls On DECC To Consider The Needs Of Mid-sized Installations
Over the next 10 days, DECC will be deciding on the level of financial support for solar power under the Renewables Obligation (RO). The consultation has focused on utility-scale solar (5MW+), but the STA has raised concerns with DECC that the needs of mid-sized installations in the non-domestic sector must also be addressed.
Nothing has been built in the largest FIT band (250kW-5MW) since the FIT was reduced to just 7.1p in July. The RO at 2 ROCs had just begun to support mid-size solar but it is unclear how this sub-sector will be enabled going forwards.
In its recent response to the Renewable Obligation Banding Review [1], the STA, backed by industry members, said the extraordinary cost reductions in solar power justified a decrease in the RO for utility solar, but only to a level of 1.8 ROCs for April 2013. In addition it was vital that action was taken to enable the important mid-size roof-mounted sub-sector to take off. The STA is concerned this cost effective application of solar risks falling through the policy framework.
STA CEO Paul Barwell said: "Solar power can deploy quickly and help the UK address its looming energy crunch and the lack of sector competition. It is an easy and cost-effective win because it is now cheaper than many other low carbon options. Suppressing solar power wouldn't make any sense from a value-for-money perspective.
"Solar power is set to offer businesses and households cheaper power than grid electricity before the end of this decade so there are excellent strategic reasons for Government to champion the UK industry. We very much hope that DECC will deliver a framework that supports all sub-sectors of solar power."
