The Feed-in Tariff (FiT) has been responsible for the recent popularity of renewable electricity installations in the UK. In fact, in recent times we have had unprecedented levels of electricity supplied by clean, green sources. For example, between July and September 2018 28% of the total electricity generated came from renewable sources. In the UK, we are now at such a level that there is greater renewable generating capacity than fossil fuel – 41.9GW v’s 41.2 GW.

However, the FiT is scheduled to finish on 31 March 2019. Anyone wishing to capitalise on the payments available and the guaranteed export rate offered within the scheme for electricity sent to the grid now is the time to act.

Whilst there may be just enough time to get a simple PV installation completed (from concept to commissioning) in time to meet the deadline, for most technologies this will not be possible. However, if you have planning permission and grid connection agreements in place prior to the end of March 2019, it will be possible to make a preliminary application. For some technologies, this will allow you to build, commission and convert to a full application within 12 months of the submission date. At the latest, the project should be completed by 31 March 2020.

What is the alternative? Well, currently there isn’t really any attractive scheme for renewable electricity. The proposed Special Export Guarantee (see my previous blog on the FiT scheme) is not particularly generous or attractive and Contracts for Difference is not suitable to small scale generation. So, this is perhaps the last chance to install renewable technology with a decent level of subsidy?

Give me a call on 024 7669 8899 if you want to find out more.