Solar PV experts are predicting that the UK will follow in the footsteps of other European countries and experience significant market growth in solar PV installations following the introduction of new feed-in tariffs (FITs). And this is despite the UK finishing bottom of a PV market league table published recently by the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA).
“The UK solar revolution is underway," said Jeremy Leggett of UK PV company Solarcentury. "Since the Government announced the financial incentives we have seen very strong interest in PV products from homeowners and commercial operators. The feed-in tariff is a market-building mechanism. It is designed to create sufficient demand for PV systems to trigger two benefits: first, falling cost and price of solar electricity, and second, growth of a proper UK-based solar PV industry.
"With the right supply chain in place, I believe that we can achieve grid parity — where solar power in homes will cost no more than conventional electricity — as soon as 2013.”
Leggett is among a number of key PV industry figures who will address the UK PV Conference at London's Central Hall, Westminster, later this month. A full conference programme will examine solar market potential, investment opportunities, regulatory issues and technology developments. Organised by Solarplaza, the conference aims to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, financiers, property developers, utilities operators and electrical contractors to learn, discuss and network.
Financial benefits
Clive Collison, of Hertfordshire-based PV installer South Facing, said: ""I believe the Carbon Reduction Commitments will further drive the PV market. It will take some time before both the attractive feed-in tariff and the CRC will impact on the UK, but in one to two years the market will really take off. Bigger companies, housing associations and financial institutions will then discover the possible financial benefits. In this first stage of the market, the residential segment will dominate the UK PV market demand. Private households pay more for their electricity, so they can save more by installing PV.
“It took Germany, Spain and Italy three years after the start of their feed-in tariff to reach a substantial market scale. No doubt a similar market development will occur in the UK."
According to the EPIA report, Germany continues to dominate the European PV market with 68 per cent market share, followed by Italy and the Czech Republic. Belgium and France both show steady growth, whilst Spain’s market appears to slow because of the recession. At the time the report data was complied, the UK occupied last place.
Conference details are available at www.ukpvconference.com.
