Cut in subsidies hits demand for solar power - 02/05/2012
Far fewer people may be looking to get cheap energy by installing solar panels since the government reduced the subsidies available to individuals fitting such measures.
Figures from the Department for Energy and Climate Change revealed demand for the technology has fallen by almost 90 per cent since the start of April, when the government slashed Feed-in Tariffs for the green products in half, the Guardian reports.
Energy minister Greg Barker, who is responsible for the policy, explained the move is designed to end a cycle of boom and bust in the solar market.
"The whole point of my reforms is to bring in a much greater degree of certainty and predictability," he said.
He also dismissed claims from Labour that the reduction in interest would mean the UK fails to meet its green targets, stating implementation will continue to improve as costs for the technology fall.
Last month, Be Energy Smart director Charles Dowson said despite the reduction in subsidies, fitting solar panels is still an effective way of insulating a home from future rises in electricity prices.
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