Steve Pester, BRE, describes the aims of BRE’s National Solar Centre

“If the intention is to strengthen the position of already failing EU PV module manufacturers then perhaps it is a little too late. Short-term impact has been an immediate increase in panel costs, long-term impact is yet to be realised but ‘closing the stable door after the horse has bolted’ springs to mind.” Andy O’Leary, business development manager, Sibert

Q: What have you got planned for the rest of the year? We’ll be working hard across our R&D projects and launching some very exciting products, in addition to maintaining a high standard of everyday service.  We’ve started the year with the PV Plus launch, an energy back-up system with automatic switch technology, while also working on a public sector project which requires bespoke, cutting-edge technology.   Q: What do you see as the growth areas in renewables? I predict energy storage systems will see dramatic growth, in response to the government-predicted scheduled shortages. It’s crucial to provide power the public can rely on. Storage technology used in the solar industry can be outdated and expensive to maintain, presenting opportunity for uptake of safer, greener, more robust alternatives, like our new lithium phosphate package.