From summer 2019, medium and large building-mounted solar PV systems will be allowed to be moved between buildings without the loss of Feed-in Tariff (FIT) payments.

Previously FiT payments ended when solar panels were relocated, meaning commercial tenants were unwilling to invest in renewable technologies.

But the change will increase flexibility and make solar PV a much more attractive investment for businesses, says Decc.

Minister for Energy and Climate Change Amber Rudd added: “Solar PV is already used by thousands of businesses and by removing barriers more will be able to reap the benefits of lower energy bills. 

“People have the power to generate their own electricity and now there is even more of an incentive. Not only will rooftop solar drive down bills and create jobs, it will help us deliver the clean, reliable energy supplies that the country needs.”

Opportunities

The UK has around 250,000 hectares of south facing commercial rooftops – the equivalent of 350,000 football pitches – and installing panels on just 61% of this roofspace would meet the total electricity demand of UK companies.

The total energy-bill savings for UK companies would exceed £5bn.

The definition of building-mounted solar under the FIT will also be amended to require the building to use at least 10% of the electricity generated. 

The FiT – introduced in 2010 – offers subsidies to businesses or homeowners operating a renewable installation smaller than 5MW.

See the full Government consultation on roaming FiTs here.

Brad Allen

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