Government loses feed-in tariff appeal, but uncertainty continues

26 January 2012  

While the government failed to overturn last month's ruling that its rushed cuts to the feed-in tariff for solar PV are unlawful yesterday, the uncertainty over the rates still exists. As soon as the unanimous verdict was announced in the Court of Appeal, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Chris Huhne announced that his department would seek permission to appeal to the Supreme Court.

What does this mean?  

As a result, people who want to install solar panels between now and 3 March 2012 still do not know what rate of feed-in tariff they will get. If the government's appeal is granted it will be 43.3p per kWh generated for systems up to 4kW in size for the 25 year duration of the scheme. However, if the government loses it will be 43.3p until 31 March this year, then 21p for the remainder of the scheme. The 3.1p per kWh export rate is not affected.  

Mipower will be able to advise potential owners of the current situation as this becomes clearer contact us on 01743 719906 for further information.