This week the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) rubber stamped its ‘Lift and Shift’ proposal, which will allow businesses with roof-top solar PV panels to move them to another premises and keep earning from the Feed-in Tariff after the move.
The announcement comes as part of a wider strategy to encourage more businesses to install Solar on roof-tops and follows a commitment to make the use of commercial solar energy easier, more flexible and more financially viable. EnergyMyWay welcomes this announcement as a measure that should lift the barriers many businesses face when considering solar panels. Previously the Feed-in Tariff revenues, which pay out for 20 years, would have been lost to a business that changed premises.
Good News for Businesses securing finance for Solar PV Panels
Reacting to the news, Paul Barwell, CEO of the Solar Trade Association (STA) said: “In order to obtain financing on better terms and reduce investment risk, it is so important for businesses to be able to take their solar installations with them if they move. Almost a year and a half ago, the STA identified this as one of the major barriers to more solar PV on big rooftops. And it is now a barrier that, together with the government, we have done away with. We are glad to see that DECC have listened to our response and made sure that investing in solar is as flexible as possible.”
The ‘Lift and Shift’ proposals are set to be made in secondary legislation later this year and will be set for solar panels moved from 2019. The legislation will apply to other-than-stand-alone systems, greater than 50kW and solar must contribute at least 10% of the energy demand of the property. No planning permission or grid connection approvals will be required prior to the move.
Advice on Solar PV Panels for business
EnergyMyWay provides free advice to commercial organisations considering renewable energy. To find out how roof-top solar panels can generate revenues for your business as well as reducing carbon emissions, please call 0845 371 3181 or find your nearest EnergyMyWay.
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