Solar Markets & Finance

Renewable energy generator ‘A Shade Greener’ (ASG) is the first of an expected many companies to offer free solar photovoltaic installations to residents in the UK. Since the introduction of the feed-in tariff and exposure on the BBC, interest has increased dramatically.

While the Budget announced on Wednesday 22nd didn’t reveal anything remarkable or surprising in terms of renewable energy in the UK, at least it didn’t cut any of the already promised items on the agenda.

According to solar panel installation company, Solar Choice, the Government is failing solar photovoltaics consumers in the UK by neglecting to publicise vital information about the feed-in tariff (FiT).

The UK’s environment agency has announced that Ed Mitchell will take on the responsibility of Director of Environment and Business. Mitchell, who is said to have vast experience in both the public and private sectors, replaces Tricia Henton, who has held the position since March 2005.

The week of the Intersolar trade show began with the roaring success of the ‘Doing Solar Business in the UK’ conference, organized by Photovoltaics International, the leading technical publisher in the solar industry. The conference was held at the Charles Hotel in Munich, drawing in over 130 delegates from all over the world.

Proinso, the Navarra-based solar energy supplier, has now opened its UK office. Amongst other manufacturers Proinso will be distributing SMA, Ingeteam, Trina, REC, Mecasolar for the UK market.

The feed-in tariff is attracting all types of new entrants to the UK solar industry and not all of them are reputable. Do these companies truly understand our market conditions?

UK photovoltaic glass company, Romag, experienced an 11% fall in turnover to £9.1m in what the company describes as a “turbulent year.” However, since the announcement of the feed-in tariff, sales have began to pick up moving the specialist glass maker back into the black at the operating level, with profits of £301,000 in the first half to March 31 compared with a loss of £1.3m previously.

The UK government has announced that as of 06.00 am this morning (May 24) the Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP), which has supplied grants for microgeneration technologies for households, community organisations, schools, the public sector and businesses in the UK since 2006, is closed.

Khosla Ventures, the venture assistance firm that focuses on cleantech and information technology startups, has formed a strategic partnership with Tony Blair Associates.