REA and STA to go separate ways

The two bodies first forged a partnership in 2011 when the STA merged with the REA’s Solar Power Group and relaunched with representation of both the solar heating and solar power industries.

At the beginning of October the organisations reacted with outrage to the news that the Government was removing large-scale solar farms from the Renewable Obligation subsidy scheme. The associations say their ongoing resistance has helped secure tangible improvements to the grace period.

Achievements

Statements from both organisations reflect proudly on their work over the past three years.

“Solar power has come from nowhere at the start of this Parliament to providing nearly 10% of all renewable power over the last quarter,” said STA chairman Jan Sisson.

“As long as we can secure a more stable policy framework, subsidy-free solar is now on the horizon. As this market has expanded, so too must the STA to meet the new challenges ahead. It is vital that solar energy strengthens its voice, particularly with an eye on the increasingly competitive post-subsidy world.”

The REA said solar will remain an important part of its remit, with chairman Martin Wright adding: “Our members want us to strengthen our offer for these important technologies. This is what we’re going to do, by building on the excellent capacity in our existing On-site and Renewable Power sector groups.

“We will continue to apply our unparalleled policy expertise and strong relations with Government to the goal of securing a bright future for UK solar energy.”

The two associations say they remain open to future collaborations on “areas of mutual interest”.

Brad Allen