Solar power shrouded in fog
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Changes to
Government policy on renewable power have shrouded the solar
industry in a fog of uncertainty, say experts.
The Government announced last
year that it planned to cut the Feed-in Tariff - the amount paid to
those who generate their own renewable power and sell the excess to
the National Grid - from 43.3p per kilowatt hour to 21p.
A High Court decision in
December ruled the planned cut was unlawful, but the Government is
hoping to appeal against that decision today, leaving green energy
businesses and customers uncertain about their future.
Maidstone-based solar panel
fitters, The Green Home Company (TGHC), warned that rogue operators
would seek to exploit that uncertainty and that consumers should
only appoint firms that are members of the REA Assurance Scheme and
certified under the Microgeneration Certification
Scheme.
Alan Proto, managing director of
TGHC, said: "We believe that solar energy has an important part to
play in the future of the UK’s energy mix and while cuts to the
subsidy is necessary, there is no question that the Government’s
handling of the feed in tariff cut has cloaked the industry in
confusion. We strongly advise people to heed the warnings issued by
Consumer Focus last month and ensure they appoint reputable
companies with a strong track record."
Thursday, January 12 2012
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