Cuts should not plunge Westcountry solar projects into dark, say Civil Engineers
Plans to position the Westcountry at the forefront of solar technology should not be compromised by the Government's programme of austerity, industry leaders have warned.
The South West branch of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has called on the Government to think carefully before cutting funding and grants for solar projects ahead of this autumn's comprehensive spending review.
Cornwall in particular has rolled out plans to make the Westcountry a world leader in renewable technology, outlining plans for the country's first solar energy farm, earmarked for a site near Newquay Cornwall Airport.
The South West is considered a premium location for harnessing the earth's natural resources, due to its high levels of sunlight, and fine tidal energy credentials.
ICE members are concerned the value of solar energy to the region is not overlooked.
Jacki Bell, regional director of ICE South West, said: "Investment in commercial and domestic solar energy through grants and funding initiatives is vital for the South West.
"The region, and Cornwall in particular, gets the highest amount of irradiation in the UK and the potential benefits of strategic investment in solar is significant.
"As part of the Government's 'Green Deal', Nick Clegg has said that he wants to see the UK undergo a 'green revolution' with a new green economy, creating energy efficient homes and thousands of jobs.
"We want to see that commitment extend to investment in energy supply and generation as well."
Another reason the South West can benefit from solar energy, as well as wind and wave, is that the region is dominated by its rural environment.
For farmers, landowners and community groups, this means solar energy can provide energy self-sufficiency through barn roof or field installations, and generate income through the coalition Government's recently introduced Feed-in tariff scheme (FITs).
Under FITs, small scale and domestic suppliers receive 41.3p for each unit of renewable energy produced.
These payments have been guaranteed for 25 years, making investment in renewables an attractive option for landowners
The ICE South West says there has been a growth in companies which supply homeowners with solar equipment and the energy generated for free but keep the money generated through FITs.
Miss Bell added: "Solar installations are by far the most popular form of small-scale renewable projects being developed.
"However, for the South West to reap the benefits of its environmental advantage, we also need to make these installations affordable."
Comments
by max power, st austell
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 11:24AM
“Why should there be any grants or funding for solar, some companies fit it free provided the customers sign over the very generous FIT's to them and it's guaranteed at 41p/unit (44p exported) for 25 years.
This is paid by us, the energy consumer to support a very inefficient source of power. As councils can now use it to generate income it ammounts to a stealth tax through our energy bills and uses our money to install it.
I could understand it better if we were living in a warmer and sunnier climate to run air conditioners etc , solar gives us energy when we least need it
I am not against renewables, but as expensive P.V. panels are to be plastered on everything south facing that doesn't move, why is the energy customer underwriting what is at present an inefficient technology and paying through the nose for it?”