Getting a Clear Picture

19 May 2016 | Updated 01 January 1970

The Solar Trade Association and PwC have launched an online survey in order to assess the status of the UK solar industry after major changes to the policy framework for solar power in the UK.

The confidential online survey is open to all solar companies based in the UK to respond and the results will be given to relevant government Ministers and published in a public report in early summer.

“Solar has had the great majority of its support removed very rapidly in the UK and just when it had parity with fossil fuels within sight,” noted Leonie Greene, Head of External Affairs, STA. “It is important that we systematically quantify what the impact of these policy changes has been in order to provide a really clear and accurate picture.”

Greene believed a “comprehensive survey” was essential for an informed discussion with government and Parliament and there would be strong interest in how the industry was faring. “Partnering up with PwC means we can ensure the high quality analysis this important industry deserves,” he stated.

Swings and roundabouts

The Renewables Obligation had ended early for the solar industry and no future auction rounds under Contracts-for-Difference were anticipated.

Deployment in domestic solar had dropped 80% under the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) compared with deployment last year and commercial solar roofs deployment under FiTs had been capped at 15mW per quarter and there was uncertainty about the extent to which Corporate Social Responsibility concerns would sustain investment in the short term.

While the government also dropped Zero Carbon Homes, moves by the Scottish government to improve new build standards were creating opportunities and it appeared that the new London Mayor would also move to support solar deployment across the capital.

“Now is an important time to assess what the current challenges and uncertainty have had on UK solar business health today and in confidence going forward,” explained John Dashwood, Head of Renewables, Assurance at PwC. “How authoritative our report is will depend on how many companies respond, so we urge companies to please do so.”

As part of the new survey the STA will be making contact with the 200 companies that responded to a previous survey at the end of last year in order to assess what has happened to their businesses.

Picture: An online survey on the state of the solar sector is being promoted by STA and PwC to present to Parliament and government this summer

Article written by Robin Snow | Published 19 May 2016