Research conducted by South Korean company LG Electronics has revealed that the UK Government’s solar energy policy is ineffective.
The findings are part of a Freedom of Information Act request by all local authorities, with 332 respondents in December last year. They show the impacts government cuts have had on solar technology deployment across public and private sectors, despite the cost of solar dropping to an all-time low.
As per government statistics, solar installation growth across the UK has reduced from 43% in 2015 to 21% in 2016. According to almost half (47%) of the local authorities, the lack of government incentives over the past few years has been the major reason for the decline in developments, followed by a lack of capital to front investment (23%), and a lack of internal stakeholder buy-in (6%).
A majority (71%) of the local authorities have no plan to invest in solar deployments and 70% have no intention to enhance their current solar capacity for the next five years.
Over the coming six months, 19% of local authorities have plans to install solar projects, while 76% have decided not to invest in the sector.
LG Electronics' UK senior sales manager Bob Mills said: “To find out that lack of government support is the main barrier to further investment is deeply saddening.
“Until there is clarity on solar strategy, we will continue to see public money wasted on out-dated and overpriced energy projects.”
However, with 84% of local authorities owning solar panels, the demand for solar energy is clearly high, while the government’s reduction in incentives will have a significant and lasting effect on the future of solarpower across the public sector in the UK.
