Business rates for rooftop commercial solar power panels will rocket by up to eight times current rates across the UK in April 2017, unless the Government intervenes between now and then. Public authorities, schools and community buildings that have solar on their roofs are also at risk of being affected by this tax rise. The Solar Trade Association has been in talks with the Valuation Office Agency and its equivalent bodies that administer business rates in devolved administrations in Scotland and N. Ireland to minimise or remove the intended tax increase. However the problem lies with the way business rates legislation is worded and therefore requires attention from government.
Scottish Energy News 6th July 2016 read more »
The UK solar industry broke a new record in June, generating as much as 23.9% of UK electricity demand, according to the UK Solar Trade Association. The UK solar industry had plenty of reasons to celebrate its third “Solar Independence Day” on Monday, with the UK’s solar trade body, the Solar Trade Association (STA), announcing that solar generation peaked early in June at 23.9% of UK electricity demand — a new record for the UK. According to the STA, the UK now has almost 12GW of solar PV installed, across homes, offices, schools, warehouses, and a number of solar farms. This equates to being able to power the equivalent of 3.8 million homes.
Renew Economy 6th July 2016 read more »