Ecobuild London: pro-nuclear, anti-residential PV panel debate causes stir
An Ecobuild panel debate about the U.K.’s future energy mix proved to be heavily in favor of nuclear power and against the use of domestic solar PV with batterie, prompting cries of derision from audience.
UK Spring Budget: Chancellor silent on solar
UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond made no mention of solar energy in today’s Spring Budget Announcement. This leaves the UK’s rooftop solar segment facing a tax hike of up to 800% in the financial year beginning next month.
UK Solar rate hike could add GBP 1.8 million to schools tax bill
New research suggests that schools in England and Wales that have installed solar panels will collectively face an additional GBP 1.8 million in taxes, as the Government pushes forward plans to remove tax exemptions on small commercial installations.
UK installs over 1.94 GW of PV in 2016
The UK installed almost 2 GW of new PV installations in 2016, according to provisional BEIS statistics. The country’s cumulative capacity now surpasses 11.49 GW. The largest increase in capacity during the year was registered in March 2016, before the Renewable Obligation scheme for projects smaller than 5 MWp was closed, with a one-year grace period for some projects.
Foresight Solar Fund looks to raise more than GBP 50 million in new investments
The UK based investment group has announced its intention to raise further investments worth more than GBP 50 million (US$ 61.2 million), with the aim of acquiring up to 250 MW of solar power plants in the UK, as well as expanding into South Africa.
NEC Energy Solutions to build and operate 50 MW storage facilities in the UK
U.S. battery manufacturer NEC Energy Solutions has signed a contract to supply and operate 50 MW of grid level storage split over two projects in the UK.
Foresight Solar Fund acquires 49.6 MW UK PV plant
Second large-scale solar investment in 2017 sees the London-headquartered investment firm snap up the Sandridge solar farm in Wiltshire, southern England.
Lightsource acquires 469 solar installations in the UK
The British solar developer has purchased 1.32 MW of residential solar PV installations from Ecos Solar Nine as it continues its pivot towards O&M and PV monitoring in the U.K.
UK urged to adopt flexible electricity system to support renewables, finds new UKERC report
The U.K. Energy Research Centre has called on the British government to invest in greater grid flexibility if it is to make renewable energy sources cost-effective. Solar Trade Association calls the report “timely”.
Foresight Solar Fund annual results show impressive growth
The investment company, which focuses on operating ground-mount solar assets in the UK achieved total revenue of GBP 34.2 million (US$ 42.7 million).
