The two associations became affiliated in March 2011, when the STA merged with the REA’s Solar Power Group and relaunched with representation of both the solar heating and solar power industries.
REA chairman Martin Wright said: “Solar heating and solar power are vitally important technologies, with the potential to reduce energy costs for UK households and businesses. Our members want us to strengthen our offer for these important technologies. This is what we’re going to do, by building on the excellent capacity in our existing On-site and Renewable Power sector groups. We will continue to apply our unparalleled policy expertise and strong relations with government to the goal of securing a bright future for UK solar energy.
“I’m very proud of the achievements we have secured together these past three and a half years and very grateful to the STA staff and membership for their vital work. I wish the STA every success for the future.”
STA chairman Jan Sisson said: “The Solar Trade Association and the Renewable Energy Association have been key to these achievements, which were unimaginable when we first started working together nearly four years ago. Solar has come of age and has become a significant presence in the UK renewables market. As this market has expanded, so too must the STA to meet the new challenges ahead. It is vital that solar energy strengthens its voice, particularly with an eye on the increasingly competitive post-subsidy world.
“I would like to thank everyone at the Renewable Energy Association for its valued contribution in supporting the STA to become the highly professional, respected and influential voice of solar that it is today.”