[ Spotlight: Solar PV ]
In December, our research showed that we could source branded, certified panels from one supplier at £1.45 per watt, but with a little more research we could find the originators of that product into the UK and buy them at £0.82.’
Material benefits When it comes to the solar PV panels themselves, the developments in technology means that they are becoming ever more efficient. ‘High efficiency modules will probably be the
technology dominating the market in the coming years, to offset more CO2
emissions in limited residential roofs,’
comments Christian Comes, business development manager solar business division at Panasonic Sanyo. ‘In a few years, energy storage and energy efficiency solutions will play a major role and will be standard in households.’ Innovations in the manufacture of high efficiency solar
The price of solar PV equipment has been dropping steadily over the last couple of years
cells continue to come hard and fast. Schott Solar has manufactured a new type of industrial wafer size silicon solar PV cell with nearly 20 per cent energy conversion efficiency that contains no silver – the most expensive raw material used in solar PV cell and module manufacturing. ‘This new cell represents a real milestone to achieving higher output at lower production costs,’ explains Axel Metz, director of solar cell development at Schott Solar. New designs for solar PV will also be launched this
year, amongst them Solarcentury’s C21e solar electric roof tiles and slates, which will appeal to those who don’t like the look of traditional panels.
Deal or no deal? It is also worth remembering that the Green Deal is due to be launched in October. Solar PV installation is set to be included in this scheme, and homeowners could be able to borrow money to pay for solar panels. Under the scheme, homes and businesses in Britain
The story so far
April 2010 The UK’s Feed-In Tariffs (FITs) scheme is introduced under powers in the Energy Act 2008. DECC hopes to encourage deployment of additional small- scale low-carbon electricity generation, particularly by organisations, businesses, communities and individuals that have not traditionally engaged in the electricity market.
March 2011 Government announces that it plans to reduce the payments to new households installing solar panels by half, from 43.3p per kWh to 21p per kWh. The government also announces a consultation on the proposals, due to close on 23 December 2011.
October 2011 The new tariff had been expected to come into effect from 1 April 2012, but in October the government said it would be paid to anyone who installed solar panels after 12 December 2011.
December 2011 Consumers race to beat the deadline in order to qualify for the higher rate, sparking a shortage of equipment.
December 2011 The government’s plans are challenged in the High Court by Friends of the Earth, HomeSun and Solarcentury. They argue that the introduction of the new tariffs is due to be applied before the consultation on them is completed, and that this is unlawful.
While the level of FITs may be reduced, the business case for
solar PV installtion is still compelling
January 2012 The High Court rules that the government could not reduce solar subsidies, and the decision means the tariff of 43.3p would now remain in place until 3 March. The government asks for a referral to the Supreme Court.
March 2012 ECA Today 27
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