PV improvements on horizon
Solar PV panels have been around for many years now and, while improvements are continually being made, don’t expect miracles. According to Paul Reeve, head of environment at the ECA: ‘Obviously there is a continual R&D effort to provide more cost-efficient PV cells and panels to boost performance and the financial return on investment. But, while the number of PV units being produced is rising exponentially, improvements in PV efficiency can’t be compared to the stunning increase in the computing power of microchips (Moore’s Law). Greatly increased PV efficiency is possible but it is cost-prohibitive, which means that everyday improvements in efficiency are fairly incremental. Of course, brand new technologies may arrive, but don’t expect them on UK roofs anytime soon.’ However, another way of boosting performance is to produce PV cells with less carbon footprint – the so-called carbon payback. ‘Carbon payback is not mentioned enough,’ says Reeve. ‘Improved production technology and other process improvements should be able to reduce the energy – which normally means carbon emissions – required to actually make PV panels. Recent reports from the US Department of Energy and independent reports from the US and the Netherlands indicate that the carbon payback is between 2.5 and 3.5 years, depending on where in the world the PV cell is used. Progress in this area can be as useful as improving actual PV efficiency.’
Any changes to generation tariffs implemented as a result of the review will only affect new entrants into the FITs scheme
remaining unchanged until April 2012 (unless the review reveals a need for greater urgency).
Under review The review will include fast-track consideration of large- scale solar photovoltaic projects (over 50kW). There is growing evidence that large-scale solar farms could soak up money intended to help homes, communities and small businesses generate their own electricity. Energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne said: ‘The renewables industry is a vital piece in the green growth jigsaw, and this review will provide long-term certainty while making sure homes, communities and small firms are encouraged to produce their own green electricity. ‘Large-scale solar installations weren’t anticipated under
the FITs scheme we inherited, and I’m concerned this could mean that money meant for people who want to produce their own green electricity has the potential to be directed towards large-scale commercial solar projects.’ The government will not act retrospectively, and any
changes to generation tariffs implemented as a result of the review will only affect new entrants into the FITs scheme. Installations that are already accredited for FITs at the time will not be affected.
Positive action So it looks like contractors can expect some limits to be applied to the FITs scheme in terms of capacity, but whether that falls at 50kW, 100 kW or higher is anyone’s guess at the
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