'Solar farms' subsidy could be cut under new proposals

SUBSIDIES for large-scale "solar farms" could be reduced, under new UK Government proposals.

Earlier this month Carmarthenshire County Council gave planning permission for 10,000 electricity- generating solar panels in the Gwendraeth Valley, on land at the former Cynheidre colliery between Tumble and Pontyberem.

Also this month, Neath Port Talbot Council gave permission for a solar farm at Baglan Bay.

The two authorities are also considering other large-scale solar power applications.

Thousands of householders are also taking advantage of the subsidies, funded ultimately by all bill payers, to install solar panels on south-facing roofs and generate clean, green electricity.

The UK Government said yesterday it was concerned that large scale solar developments could potentially soak up the subsidy that would otherwise go to smaller home and community schemes — and to other technologies such as wind, hydro and anaerobic digestion.

The Government also said that as solar technology has developed, its costs have reduced, meaning the technology did not need as much financial support.

Greg Barker, Climate Change Minister, said the subsidy scheme was never designed "to be a profit generator for big business and financiers".

He said: "Our cash for green electricity scheme is a great way to reward homes, communities and small businesses that produce their own renewable power.

"I'm committed to an ambitious roll-out of micro-generation technologies as part of the Coalition's green vision of a much more decentralised energy economy.

"I want to make sure that we capture the benefits of fast falling costs in solar technology to allow even more homes to benefit from feed in tariffs, rather than see that money go in bumper profits to a small number of big investors.

"These proposals aim to re-balance the scheme and put a stop to the threat of larger-scale solar soaking up the cash.

"Britain's solar industry is a vital part of our renewables future and our growing green economy. The new tariff rates we're putting forward will provide a level of support for solar and ensure a sustained growth path for the industry."

Source: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/32715/f/503366/s/13792c72/l/0L0Sthisissouthwales0O0Cnews0CSolar0Efarms0Esubsidy0Ecut0Enew0Eproposals0Carticle0E334920A0A0Edetail0Carticle0Bhtml/story01.htm

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