UK MPs back solar panels campaign

The solar industry’s campaign to secure political support for its efforts, as the government shapes new renewable energy subsidy schemes, has now gained more than 250 signatures from MPs.

The “We Support Solar” campaign is aiming to highlight solar power as being a “key element” of the UK’s attempts to hit European targets to source 15% of its energy from renewable sources before 2020.

It wants government to bridge the current funding gap for solar photovoltaic (PV solar panels) projects following the end of the Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase Two.

Back in February, the campaign introduced into Parliament an Early Day Motion – a statement that is not normally debated by MPs, but can be signed up by them to indicate their support – expressing concern about the treatment of solar power by government policy.

It has now become the most supported motion in the current Parliamentary session.

Put forward on the campaign’s behalf by Labour backbencher Colin Challen, the MP for Rothwell and Morley, the motion said the government’s draft Renewable Energy Strategy, which was issued for consultation last summer, gave solar photovoltaic technology a “negative treatment”.

It called on ministers to put the technology centre stage, adding that it would be important in delivering carbon dioxide emission cuts in the built environment while also potentially creating “tens of thousands” of new “green” jobs in the UK.

As of this afternoon (June 15), the motion had secured 255 signatures.

Mr Challen said: “The wide range of support from all sides of the House for my motion underlines the extent of Parliamentary feeling on this issue.

“Today, there is still unnecessary uncertainty surrounding the level of solar PV funding under the Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase Two, as well as an enormous opportunity to drive forward this technology through the forthcoming feed-in tariffs.”

Mr Challen said “many hundreds” of jobs were under threat because potential solar customers would be waiting until the start of the feed-in tariffs subsidy scheme before investing. The scheme is to start in April 2010.

“I hope very much therefore that Ministers are listening to Parliamentarians on this issue. It’s important that solar PV is treated positively in the final renewable energy strategy document and feed-in tariff consultation both expected before the summer recess,” he said.

The message was backed by industry figures, including Andrew Lee, general manager at Sharp Solar UK. Mr Lee said: “If the UK is to reach its renewable energy targets set out by the EU, that will require a major contribution from solar PV. But PV solar panels was the forgotten technology in last years Government renewable energy strategy consultation. That needs to change.”

Mr Lee said the industry was now urging government to continue grant funding schemes for solar panels until the introduction of feed-in tariffs in April 2010.

“Failure to do this will result in many hundreds of job losses in the UK solar PV industry, just at the time when we should be investing with confidence for the start of the feed-in tariff next year,” he said.

Simon Hughes MP, the Lib Dem front bench spokesman for energy, said it “beggars belief” that two months after the government’s Budget statements promising support for renewable energy projects, the solar PV industry “is still faced with a suspension of grants under the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, dating back to 23 March”.

Mr Hughes said: “Ministers now need to get on top of this situation urgently and resolve the ongoing solar PV funding crisis positively once and for all. Solar panels PV can play a big role in helping to deliver the UKs future renewable energy targets but the Government’s current indecision is making it impossible for UK companies to invest with confidence and to retain skilled solar jobs.”

Source - New Energy Focus