EDITORSVIEW
Industry seeks FiT tips
T
he world’s largest photovoltaic exhibition begins in Germany and a major topic is sure to be the impact of reduced Feed in Tarrifs on companies and the industry as a whole. Depending on who you talk to, the situation is a disaster or a growing opportunity. Another important aspect to the changing subsidy culture
is that changing Feed in Tarrifs are not a European concern as some companies would have you believe. The reality is that the industry is a global affair and companies need to be aware and prepared for opportunities wherever they arise. While FiTs are being reduced in some areas they are being introduced or increased in others. The companies bleating the most are the ones who have a large percentage of their business tied into FiT subsidies. This is extremely bad business in today’s global market place.
Another reason that is overlooked is why the FiT’s were reduced by countries such as Germany and France. Some company responses make it suggest the changes were personal but of course this is nonsense. I have said before that Germany needs to be applauded and recognised for maintaining PV options for so long when other countries, excepting maybe Japan, have sat on the sidelines in promoting cleaner energy preferring to wait for profit opportunity rather than drive the process for more altruistic reasons. The key reasons to the changes in FiT tarrifs was not so much about money but a means to control the number of ‘cowboy operators’ trying to jump on the band wagon as the fiscal returns were hyped up by the financial markets.
The truth is that the global need to reduce dependence on traditional fuel options will never succeed if profit is the only motivator. There is a need for public private partnerships and also a need for governments as well as the giant energy companies to help subside this change in energy source options. While the usual passing the buck continues between big business and government the world suffers a bit more every day. the recent oil spill in the USA is a prime example of the problems we all face.
What this industry needs is a leader prepared to say the hard things. prepared to say that profit cannot be the only motivating factor if you are truly attempting to help the growing global energy needs and a dwindling supply of traditional resources. Intersolar is the sort of event I will be looking for such a leader.
David Ridsdale Editor-in-Chief
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www.solar-pv-management.com Issue III 2010
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