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INDUSTRYPERSPECTIVE


2015. For electricians, roofers, building contractors and anybody wishing to develop an understanding of this sector, this provides a very real incentive to learn comprehensive, high-quality solar installation skills.


servicing personnel opportunities to benefit from this new industry.


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There is no doubt that the cuts will affect the growth in jobs across the PV industry, however, the domestic installation market in the UK remains very healthy and continues to represent a fantastic opportunity for professional installers. There are a number of very good reasons to remain optimistic: There’s no denying that that solar and renewable energy incentives will remain fundamental to the long-term direction the UK for both economic and ecological reasons. The UK has given itself 29 years (until 2050) to reduce carbon emissions by 80%. Rising oil prices have brought into focus the need for reliable energy supplies and a mix of low- carbon energy to protect ourselves from volatile fossil fuel markets and disruption to supplies from unrest abroad. PV is undoubtedly integral to this.


Homeowner appetite


As these fuel prices continue to rise, UK homeowners are hungry for ways to reduce their bills and have shown quite the appetite solar technology. Research has shown that 56% of homeowners would install solar panels on their home and the solar panel installation market in the UK is expected to be worth £500 million a year by


In a period of rising unemployment and economic uncertainty the UK PV industry was bucking the trend. In addition to the top- line benefits, jobs were being created in management, sales, advice and other technical support areas, while re-training possibilities were offering legions of installers and servicing personnel opportunities to benefit from this new industry


Conclusion


Since the FIT was introduced it has been an unprecedented success for businesses, industry and consumers. The figures speak for themselves - the FIT kick-started industry growth, created jobs in the private sector, and laid foundations for a future decarbonised grid. Whilst the cuts are completely counterintuitive we mustn’t take our eye of the end- game. For the UK to have any chance of meeting the targets of carbon reduction set-out by the EU, solar will have a prominent role to play and this is going to be driven by skilled professionals with foresight. We must be unswerving in our commitment to building the UK green economy to rival the world leaders in the space and the UK domestic installation market is the stands-out opportunity. Now is not the time to lose faith in the FIT. It is essential that the political debate does not overshadow what has been a hugely successful year and the forecast for professional installers in the UK remains sunny.


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Investment in infrastructure The growing demand of those looking for an opportunity to capitalise on this, has led to a series of renewable energy academies, installer schools and academic courses springing up throughout the UK. In partnership with Cleaner Air Solutions, we recently opened the Sharp Renewable Energy Academy to train 25 to 50 people a month, which is already providing many with the skills they need to be a success in this industry. An average sized £15,000 solar installation typically earns the installer around £3,500, so the training usually pays for itself with a single installation. Striving for the highest installation standards in the UK is the key to building consumer confidence. Sharp research shows the vast majority of homeowners (86%) would only trust an accredited solar installer to fit their solar panels.


As the UK’s largest solar module manufacturer, Sharp is planning to remain a cornerstone of the UK’s renewable energy industry for years to come. Our factory in Wrexham, North Wales, is working 24/7 to serve the whole of Europe. We recently announced the creation of 300 new jobs, which has almost doubled annual production capacity, from 5,000 to 8,000 panels per day, to 500 MW per year - enough to power over 170,000 homes in the UK. Our commitment remains as strong as ever.


www.solar-pv-management.com Issue V 2011


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