UK solar shows record growth

• 13 years ago (2011-01-07)
• Junior Isles

Europe 1068 Renewables 757

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The UK installed solar power generation capacity at a record rate last year, data from the energy regulator Ofgem show.

Solar panels with the capacity to generate more than 42 MW of electricity were registered to receive above-market power prices last year, according to data from the regulator Ofgem. The facilities were spurred starting in April by a government programme offering as much as 12 times the market rate for power from renewable sources.

The installations covered more than 16 000 homes and commercial properties. The new rules, granting a “feed-in tariff,” are aimed at expanding clean energy and led to a 10- fold expansion in solar power in the UK.

A total of 4 MW of solar power facilities were installed in the UK in 2009 and 4.4 MW in 2008, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Sharp says it’s working to double production at its solar cell factory in Wales, the biggest in Britain, and Lee said the company has added about 300 new jobs at its expanded plant.