UK failing to perform in solar photo-voltaics

21 September, 2005

The UK market for solar photo-voltaics has fallen well behind other countries, according to figures from the International Energy Agency. Figures from IEA show that the UK installed 2.2 MW(p) of grid-connected solar photo-voltaics in 2004, equivalent to just 1100 solar roofs. That figure contrasts sharply with Japan and Germany. Total cumulative installations in Japan exceed 1 GW(p), or about 500 000 roofs. Installations in Germany in 2004 amount to 360 MW(p), equivalent to 180 000 solar roofs. European countries, generally, are well behind these figures. 2004 figures from IEA shows grid connected installations of 3 MW(p) in the Netherlands, 4.2 MW(p) in France, 4.4 MW(p) in Italy and 8.5 MW(p) in Spain. Jeremy Leggett, chief executive of Solarcentury, says, ‘News that in 2004, the UK solar PV market was little over 0.5% of the German total makes a mockery of the Government’s successive White Paper commitments to this sector. It was only two years ago that the Energy White paper confirmed the Government’s pledge to deliver a 10-year solar PV programme to “establish the UK as a credible player in the PV market, alongside Germany and Japan”.’

BCIA welcomes tougher commercial building energy standards but calls for greater ambition across the wider sector

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has welcomed the government’s confirmation that privately rented non-domestic buildings over 1,000 square metres in England and Wales will be expected to achieve a minimum EPC B rating by 2031, describing the move as an important step forward in improving the energy performance of the UK’s commercial building stock.

GOLDBECK commits to three-year schools partnership to inspire Cardiff’s future construction talent

GOLDBECK has launched a new long-term education initiative in Cardiff, committing to support three local primary schools as part of a programme designed to introduce young children to enterprise, careers and the wider world of construction.

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