On many an occasion, over an extended period of time, we have reported on numerous solar photovoltaic farm developments that are either seeking planning permission or have been built in the countryside. Such solar arrays play an important part in helping the UK achieve its renewable energy targets by 2020.
We have commented on some huge developments but, of course, they do need to be installed in places where they are not seen as an eyesore. The government made it quite clear many months ago that they would expect part of the planning approval stage to include obtaining the opinions of local residents and that seems reasonable.
However, there is a rumour that the government is going to review the subsidies that are currently available to those that own land in the countryside upon which they would like to install solar panels which, it would appear, would have a detrimental financial impact on landowners. Presently, it is estimated that subsidies in respect of solar panels cost the government around £600 million per annum. If these subsidies were to be reduced or removed there would obviously be less of a reason from a financial aspect for landowners to install solar farms.
We have previously commented about the move towards encouraging more solar panel arrays to be built on the roofs of commercial buildings such as supermarkets, factories, schools and council buildings that is a positive factor.
Another factor worth bearing in mind is that the solar industry would go through another period of uncertainty as far as the future of the industry is concerned which it could well do without. Therefore, there will be many people within the solar sector that are waiting to hear with trepidation what is going to happen in respect of the above.
For our part, we will continue to keep you up to date.
Your comments, as always, are most welcome.
