In recent times the attractive Feed-in-Tariff rates for those who choose Solar PV have been tweaked, slashed, changed and meddled with to redress perceived imbalances in the system. It is our role as Solar PV providers to roll with the punches and understand exactly how changes to these benefits impact on our customers - so that we can communicate clearly and make sales on an open and honest basis, the hallmark of a good, honest business.
The announcement from Mr Barker that FiT's have a certain future is good news, hopefully allowing us and other installers to concentrate on providing a better service to our customers, making us more efficient and giving clients some security.
Mr Barker goes on to say that he now intends to "work on bringing the price of installation down". This sounds like good news for customers but the fact of the matter is that with less Solar PV demand companies genuinely cannot afford to undertake the work any more cheaply than they already do.
Exclusive: Certainty for feed-in tariffs - Solar Power Portal
Solar Power PortalExclusive: Certainty for feed-in tariffsSolar Power PortalThis revolution in small-scale green energy has been driven forward thanks to support from the Government's feed-in tariff (FiTs) scheme. FiTs are available for a range of te ...Would you accept the government intervening in your industry, setting prices or meddling with your company structure? How could such an intervention even be undertaken? Let us know your thoughts below.
Successive governments continually say they will take measures to reduce our carbon foot print. They want us to better manage our fuel consumption ( rightly so ) n conserve energy. Whilst I welcome this news, for me it does not go far enough..they give grants for people that insulate their homes, so that fuel bills are reduced..but it does not fully address the green issue. I love solar technology n it needs to be embraced more..the government needs to entice more people to install it..either using it as a supplementary means of providing energy or if possible full...I would also like to see developers incorporate it into new builds n that it becomes standard practice ( statutory law ) that homes across Britain can have it's benefits..it would be great if ,in the case of new builds that solar panels were not just an additional item but designed into the fabric of the building..I appreciate this could be costly but government, developers n suppliers would need to work together to see how this could be achieved..tax breaks maybe...An important factor would be that it should not be exclusive to luxury homes but on affordable homes as well..in that I would include when blocks of flats are developed as well. It might call for part government subsidy but I think it would pay dividends in the end...
ReplyDeleteYes, this is something that has been looked into but turned into 'box ticking' exercise with very poor or small (or both) installations going onto multiple homes in new developments.
ReplyDeleteWe're offering an in-built solar 'roof' as a produt that house builders can offer as an added extra - but with so few new-builds going up, the market is very small and take up is, well, let's say it's slow!
So, like you say, maybe concentrating on encouraging developers to invest, rather than squeezing margins is a better way forward?
hmm, the reason there are so few new builds going up is developers are holding onto large stocks waiting for "the rainy day " some of them have up to 200 sites or more...that is plain wrong n no wonder the housing market freezes up..the government need to tackle this ( but they won't) it will stop the decline in the economy. Sad fact is that unfortunately they missed the boat by a couple of months...but again I would put in laws that would prevent developers from doing this..don't build until you finish a project...such laws exist in Spain..it stops half finished projects as well. I was hoping Vince Cable might have the nouse to free things up but he doesn't , he is prioritising on the wrong stuff...the other thing about lack of housing it creates a false economy on what stock there is...subsequently land or property that would normally be cheaper is getting inflated..banks though are partially to blame for this as when properties are repossessed their advisers overvalue ..However, come the sale ,it never achieves this n they invariably end up on the market at a lower price. Sorry digressed there...that sounds a good idea but don't give up ..you still got to fight the cause, I think both ways should be catered for ..the small homeowner n the developer...maybe you should arrange a meeting with a government minister or their green adviser Zak Goldsmith..
ReplyDeleteWe shall try and contact Mr Goldsmith, watch this space!
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