Latest Filsol News

The Government has announced higher than expected cash rewards for low carbon electricity produced by solar photovoltaic (PV) systems through the new Feed-in Tariff scheme.

New rules have come into effect in Wales this month allowing homeowners to install solar water heating and PV systems without needing to apply for planning permisssion.

Following the Government's announcement of an additional £45 million of funding through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP), Filsol continue to offer grants of up to 50% on solar water heating and solar PV systems.

The UK solar energy industry received a welcome boost last week as 240 MPs signed a parliamentary motion supporting the mass roll-out of solar photovoltaic (PV) power through the introduction of feed-in tariffs.

Filsol Solar's partnership within Solar Microgeneration Limited (SML) has geared up the services it is offering to public sector clients. Operating as a Framework Supplier under the Government's Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2 (LCBP2), SML has engaged a new Business Development Manager, Martin Allman to help deal with customer demand.

A significant number of projects including new build social housing, schools and fire stations which will incorporate solar water heating supported by a 30% grant are now being implemented. 

A Private Members Bill is being introduced to parliament to fight for "The Merton Rule" power to be preserved. Planning Policy Statement 22 gives planning authorities the power to set renewable energy targets on developers. But the housing industry has been lobbying for this power to be taken away and there is a significant likelihood that the forthcoming Climate Change Planning Policy Statement will incorporate such a back-pedalling move.

The planning and energy bill led by Conservative Michael Fallon with powerful cross-party support aims to affirm the right of planning authorities to impose renewable energy targets. Any organisation or person interested in supporting the greater use of solar energy in UK buildings should therefore lobby their constituent MPs to support this bill.