Solar Next In Line For Subsidy Cuts

By Paul Homewood

h/t Mark Hodgson

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-33619017

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is consulting on plans that would see subsidies for some new solar farms close by 2016.

The government says the move is necessary to protect consumers.

The solar industry said subsidies were one of the cheapest ways that the government could meet its climate change targets.

Under the government’s plans, so called "small scale" solar farms will no longer qualify for support under a key subsidy mechanism – the renewables obligation – from April next year.

New projects that receive the subsidy may also see the level cut.

Naturally the solar industry are whining:

Jonathan Selwyn, a board member of the Solar Trade Association, told the BBC that the subsidy cut would "have a very large impact" on the industry.

Mr Selwyn called for "a level playing field" for solar in relation to nuclear energy and fracking, in terms of subsidies and planning regulations.

I think that the fracking industry, which receives no subsidy at all, would be highly delighted!