Press Release
Government Kills Solar - 10 November 2011
Emerging from a crisis meeting between Greg Barker and leaders in the solar industry earlier today, Daniel Green CEO of HomeSun said: “The government needs to be seen to consult on the Feed in Tariffs, but it is clear from this meeting this is all a foregone conclusion.
The drop dead date of 12th December for the subsidy cut is too short notice: in the solar industry it means 25000 people risk losing their jobs before Christmas, companies face bankruptcy and 1000s of homeowners will lose out on the orders they placed for solar PV installations along with deposits. Much of this can be avoided by putting the date back to the end January for the subsidy cut, and then real collaboration around the other progressive proposals the industry has developed.
“This is disastrous and irresponsible decision making by government. The thinking isn’t joined up. According to a report from Element Energy to be published in the next few weeks, the FITs cost around £220m yearly but generate £280m in taxes (jobs and VAT). Why cut a programme that is making money and making the green revolution accessible to everyday consumers?’
“Three legal actions against the government are in process. Today’s meeting will stimulate more.”
