It is hoped that a survey will form a clearer picture of the UK solar industry.
The Solar Trade Association (STA) has set up an online survey to gather information about the UK’s solar industry following significant changes to the UK’s solar power policy framework.
The survey is available to be returned by all UK based solar companies over the course of the next two weeks, with the findings to be presented to Ministers ahead of a public report that will be published early in the summer.
Respondents to the survey, which is found at www.solar-trade.org.uk/pwc-and-sta-survey, will remain anonymous and confidential.
Leonie Greene, head of external affairs at STA, said that solar power has suffered the loss of a vast amount of support recently and has been knocked back significantly since it was almost on a par with fossil fuels.
She said that the STA understands that several solar companies are going through difficulties at the moment, with many ceasing trading and highly skilled workers made redundant.
Ms Greene added that the survey is therefore paramount in aiding their understanding of where the UK solar industry is at following the impact of the policy changes.
She commented that the results of the survey will be crucial in the organisation’s discussions with Parliament and Government, where there is sure to be a keen interest in the current state of the solar industry.
The industry has seen its Renewables Obligation cut short, as domestic solar deployment has fallen by 80% under the Feed-In Tariff in comparison to last year.
There is also uncertainty around the extent that Corporate Social Responsibility concerns are going to maintain short-term investment, while deployment of commercial solar roofs has been capped at 15MW per quarter.
The STA will also be in contact with 200 companies who responded to last year’s survey so that they can assess the progression or regression of their solar companies.