Solar Industry Calls for Incentives for Net Zero in 2020 Budget

THE SOLAR TRADE ASSOCIATION has called for the Chancellor to boost moves towards net zero carbon emissions for the UK with incentives for the Solar energy industry.

The association’s wishlist included exemption for solar from business rates, zero-interest loans for green home improvements and a commitment to procure renewable energy for the civic estate.

Chris Hewett, STA Chief Executive

STA Chief Executive, Chris Hewett, said, “This government has begun to take vital first steps towards delivering net zero, but there is a lot of work to be done yet.

“Solar has a key role to play in decarbonising power and driving down emissions in heat and transport too.

“The industry stands ready to deliver. It is down to the government to unleash its true potential.”

Climate Change Targets

The Committee on Climate Change estimates that the UK’s solar power capacity will have to triple by 2030 in order to be on track for the Government’s legally binding target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

According to the association, disproportionate business rates present the biggest barrier to the deployment of large rooftop solar installations as things stand.

Amendments to how rates are calculated for rooftop solar introduced in 2017 meant the annual rates bill for an average commercial rooftop PV installation increased significantly, with retailer Lidl being given a rates increase of 528%.

The Solar Trade Association has also called for the government to lead by example by committing to powering the civic estate with 100% renewable energy, which will enable cut the operating costs of the estate and accelerate its decarbonisation.

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