HC 1605 Energy and Climate Change and Environmental Audit CommitteesWritten evidence submitted by David Robertson

I believe that the Environmental Audit Committee plan to launch an inquiry into the proposals by the Government to slash the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) for solar installations.  If I may, I would like to express my concerns.

Whilst I understand the Governments arguments and reasons for reducing the FIT, I believe that cutting the tariff by so much and so quickly is unreasonable. 

My position is this.  I have a signed contract and have paid a deposit for my proposed Solar PV installation but am unable to install the system before January 2012 because I need some work on my roof to be completed first.  So, under the Government proposals I will receive the new FIT of 21p, a rate at which I would not have considered investing in solar power.  I am unable to back out of my contract without a penalty.

The short notice given by the Government is unfair and inconsiderate of the practicalities faced by some home owners.  Every installer I talked to, and who quoted me, said that the Tariff would be dropping by 5p in April 2012.  This was backed up by research on the Internet.  I feel cheated by this decision.

I think the Government should either extend the cut-off date and/or allow anyone with a signed contract with a financial commitment already in place to qualify at today's FIT rate, no matter when the system is installed.

10 November 2011