Member Article

Energy firm issues rallying call to solar industry

AN EXPANDING Tyneside Energy firm remains bullish about the future of the Renewable Energy Sector in the North East despite sweeping government subsidy cutbacks and a move away from the industry.

With breakthroughs in solar technology just around the corner, Newcastle’s Baltic Energy believes young and forward thinking energy firms can still make their mark in the region and has promised heavy investment in breakthrough advancements and a diverse product range in the New Year to keep energy bills low for business and in the home.

The UK solar industry is reeling after the Department of Energy and Climate Change (Decc) hit it with a one-two punch of subsidy cuts that could threaten thousands of jobs and grind its investment to a halt.

Energy secretary Amber Rudd unveiled plans in the summer to slash subsidies to solar power projects in an attempt to drive down annual household electricity bills, but later admitted it might save customers just 50p a year.

Among the cutbacks, was a review of the feed-in tariff, which offered state support for solar panels on rooftops both for the customer and for the supplier. This is set to end on 31st December.

Baltic Energy’s Managing Director Chris Phillipson believes the Government’s stance on this and other subsidies is “completely wrong” and is trying to take the sector “back to the dark ages” but is still confident businesses can still flourish in the region.

He said: “The announcement to cut back on funding for the solar sector nationally only increases our reliance on fossil fuels and makes our energy habits unsustainable and expensive. But I genuinely believe our renewable businesses can have a successful 2016. This can only be a good thing for our customers.

“The combination of losing both the Green Deal Scheme and the huge reduction in the Feed in Tariff will have a massive impact on the industry, but I genuinely think it can bounce back. There other great technologies out their which still have subsidies behind them.

“Businesses can still benefit greatly from installing solar panels even without subsidies like the Feed-in Tariff. Some businesses could see reduced bills of up to 40% which positive for any business owner.

“I think there are still customers out there who want to live sustainably, and I think solar is still a viable option even in the absence of government support. I think year could be a make or break year for many solar firms.”

Baltic Energy - spearheaded by its Director, Chris Phillipson - specialises in providing the latest low carbon technologies and ground-breaking energy saving products to homes and businesses throughout the region and hopes to be a major player in the regional renewable energy sector.

The newly launched business has set itself the mission of raising awareness of alternative methods of heating and power among homeowners and hopes to save the regional business community millions by transforming their outdated methods.

As part of his company’s commitment to keeping costs low for its customers and energy Green, Chris Phillipson has urged people to take advantage of the Feed In Tariff now before it’s terminated in December.

He added: “If businesses go solar now, they can beat the drop and will receive cash rewards from the Government. Subsidies will be slashed by almost 90% in January, this is worth almost £15,000, so they need to act fast.

“They’ll give you a payment for all the electricity produced, even if you use it yourself, and there are additional bonus payments for electricity you export into the grid.

“People will definitely see a reduction on a standard electricity bill and FITs are for everyone including households, landlords, businesses and even organisations such as schools and care homes. If anyone has any questions about it all, they need to do is pick up the phone and talk to us.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jane Crosby .