Victory for solar cash campaigners

YORKSHIRE businesses have welcomed a decision to not slash the subsidies available to people with newly-fitted solar panels on their properties.

The Government has vowed to fight on after three appeal judges upheld a High Court ruling that Energy Secretary Chris Huhne does not have the power to retrospectively introduce cuts to the subsidy scheme.

The decision means that businesses and homeowners that have had panels fitted since mid-December may now be able to collect fixed payments from the Government at the original, higher rate.

Libbie Henderson, partner in the energy practice at law firm Dickinson Dees, said: “No doubt many in the public and private sector will be relieved by the  High Court’s decision today. 

“It  ends uncertainty over the rates for systems installed since 12 December. It also creates an opportunity for some homeowners and organisations to secure the current high FIT rates for the next 25 years as long as they meet the March 3 deadline.”

John Cridland, CBI Director-General, said: “The judgement should be used to draw a line under this saga, which saw the Government scoring a spectacular own goal and confidence in the renewables sector undermined.”

David Hunt, a director with renewable energy company Eco Environments, which has an office in Leeds, said: “This is an almighty kick in the teeth for the Government, but a fantastic result for consumers who have either gone ahead with an installation since December 12 or are keen to do so now.”

However, Colin Pepler, sales manager of Hull-based KMS Energy, admitted many homeowners were perplexed by the whole situation.

He said: “There has been a lot of confusion surrounding the Feed-In Tariff and how much money you may receive for generating electricity in the future.

“Given the number of stories and different views, this is completely understandable.

“It has sent the industry into a state of shock and domestic work is much quieter than, say, three months ago.”