Solar PV Photovoltaic Feed in Tariff rates 1st January 2014 were released by OFGEM on 31st October 2013. A 3.5% degession (reduction) has been applied to the FiT tariff for systems that are installed with a capacity greater than 50kW and for standalone systems. The updated tariffs can be found: - on our webpage http://www.cgascoigne.co.uk/services/solar-pv/feed-in-tariff/ or - at OFGEM https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/ofgem-publications/84190/fitpaymenttable1january2014tariffs.pdf. For any one considering installating a Solar PV Photovoltaic system it should be noted that in the Spring (1st April 2014) the FiT rate for systems installed with a capacity of less than 50kW will be reduced  under the current legislation even if the installed capacity expected in this next period has not been achieved! The miniumum reduction is 3.5% so the FIT for systems up to 4kW in size is likely to reduce to 14.38p...

IDENTIFYING FAULTY, LOW YIELDING, SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEMS The purpose of this article is aimed at providing the information needed to make a sensible and informed decision as to whether a Solar PV system is operating as it should by identifying faulty, low yielding, solar PV system causes. Experience tells us that most system performance issues come down to unrealistic expectations from comparisons against incomparable systems.  Before delving into a suspected problem, it must be noted that financial yields and system performances will vary significantly between manufacturers, panel orientations/pitches and site conditions.  Solar PV arrays can seldom be compared at the side of one another for these reasons. The first thing I would recommend anybody to do, beyond the obvious, would be to check the system against the forecast you should have received...

The Solar Trade Association (STA) has proposed best practice for Solar PV farm developments / projects. The STA has published 10 commitments for Solar PV farm developers which are designed to encourage best practice and public support for large Solar PV projects. The STA want the following commitments from Solar PV Farm developers/installers:

• We will focus on non-agricultural land or land which is of lower agricultural quality.
• We will be sensitive to nationally and locally protected landscapes and nature conservation areas, and we welcome opportunities to enhance the ecological value of the land.
• We will minimise visual impact where possible and maintain appropriate screening throughout the lifetime of the project managed through a Land Management and/or Ecology plan.
• We will engage with the community in advance of submitting a planning application.
• We will encourage land diversification...
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