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STA Chief Executive Weighs in on Government’s Green Deal

Exclusion of Solar PV is a surprise for many in the industry.

Last week Segen reported on the Government’s failure to include Solar PV in its Green Homes Grant, which aims to promote a ‘Green Recovery’ to the economy from Covid-19. At the heart of the changes was a reduction in emissions across the board, which is why many felt Solar PV should have been included, given its environmentally impactful nature.

Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, delivered a statement on the initiative, saying that “The Green Homes Grant is a vital part of our plan for jobs as we secure the UK’s economic recovery from coronavirus. This is going to be a green recovery with concern for our environment at its heart.”

It is clear that the Government is trying to think long-term about the direction of the country’s infrastructure, but have overlooked the inclusion of Solar PV, in a move that has raised eyebrows across the industry.

In fact, Chief Executive of the STA, Chris Hewett, released this statement in relation to the Government’s ‘Green Deal’:

“It needs to be technology neutral and ANY retrofitting technology that de-carbonises the home should be eligible. The current details of the scheme are still sketchy and we understand will not be the final word from Ministers. We are in discussions with government and other stakeholders, to ensure that PV and energy storage are added to the list alongside solar thermal.”

He went on to say the following:

“It remains the case that, with or without any grant, solar and energy storage are becoming ever more cost-effective ways to cut power bills and tackle climate change. Our advice to potential customers is not to base their decision on currently uncertain government schemes, but more on the certainty of what solar energy can deliver in the here and now.”

The Green Deal may not be the end of Government actions to provide a recovery from Covid-19. In the meantime, Solar PV continues to be successful in its growth across the nation, delivering results in the here and now and leaving consumers with a better energy outlook as we move further into a climate-conscious era.