Tony Kent: Don’t let rogue traders cast cloud on solar energy sector

WHEN the UK government announced it was cutting tariff subsidies for all new solar panel schemes, some sceptics claimed it would signal the death knell for the industry in the UK.

We’re only a few weeks on from the change in feed-in tariff, which saw the return rate on electricity generated from renewables slashed from 43p to 21p. Yet despite the decision having a major impact on the industry, I do not believe this is the real issue within the renewable energy sector.

Yes, I do think the government was wrong to cut the feed-in tariff in the way it did, with little prior warning, however, I think what really needs to be addressed is bad practice within the industry.

While still making savings from solar energy solutions, we must be realistic and realise that customers will now be getting a lower feed-in tariff rate on their renewable energy sources. To counter this, it is therefore imperative that the industry is completely above board, with all “rogue traders” weeded out.

I have seen some real horror stories in my time. The most common complaint is of unscrupulous firms who have given people bad advice, taken their money and then done a terrible job. Frustratingly, this reflects badly on the industry as a whole.

The Consumer Focus report Keeping FIT also raises concerns about misleading sales practices and lack of information from some solar panel installers.

The Renewable Energy Association is slowly making its way through the long list of renewable energy companies that have sprouted since the government introduced the feed-in tariff in April 2010, striking off those who are not above board. This, of course, will take time and ultimately the only way the industry is going to change for the better is if we see more consultation between the government and energy companies. That way, wider issues will be resolved before they have an impact on jobs and customers’ bills.

Above all, we need to make sure confidence in the market place is strong – because if we don’t tackle issues within the industry now, we will be casting a shadow over what should be a bright future for the solar sector.

• Tony Kent is chairman of Absolute Solar and Wind Ltd.