New UK Feed-in Tariffs scheme follows in part the German model

The UK Government has announced on February 9, 2012 to amend the Feed-in Tariffs scheme to make it more predictable. The new parameters are as following: FIT scheme for consumers and communities A tariff of 21p/kWh will take effect from 1st April this year for domestic-size solar panels with an eligibility date on or after 3rd March 2012. Other tariff reductions apply for larger installations. Properties installing solar panels on or after 1st April this year will be required to produce an Energy Performance Certificate rating of ‘D’ or above to qualify for a full FIT. The previous proposals for a ‘C’ rating or a commitment for all Green Deal measures to be installed was seen as impractical at this stage. From 1st April 2012, new ‘multi-installation’ tariff rates set at 80% of the standard tariffs will be introduced for solar PV installations where a single individual or organisation is already receiving FITs for other solar PV installations. This reflects the lower costs of such installations, as they benefit from the economies of scale. Based on the feedback received, the threshold is set at more than 25 installations. Individuals or organisations with 25 or fewer installations will still be eligible for the individual rate. The Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) is now consulting on a proposal that social housing, community projects and distributed energy schemes be exempt from these multi-installation tariff rates. The tariff for micro-CHP installations will be increased to recognise the benefits this technology could bring and to encourage its development. FIT scheme for industry In line with the evidence of falling costs for solar PV, DECC is pr…