In response to its formal consultation on the scheme, the government has confirmed that rates for ground mounted solar will be slightly more generous than originally proposed (1.6/MWh) and that a new band will be introduced specfically for medium-sized roof-mounted solar systems.
This new band will be set at a higher rate than ground mounted PV (1.7/MWh) to incentivise medium scale solar after concerns were raised that the 7.1p/kWh rate currently available for mid-sized systems (250kW-5MW) under the Feed-in Tariff was inadequate.
This will come into force in the New Year and fall by 0.1 each year until 2017.
Climate change minister Greg Barker said: “We have listened to industry about the need to differentiate support between building mounted and ground mounted installations and we have introduced two bands as a result.
“Our proposals for solar projects on commercial buildings will encourage businesses to consider solar PV as a serious option for meeting their power needs.”
Industry reaction to follow