Changes to FIT coming sooner that we thought!

[hp4020]

So now that FIT payments are to get reduced, will we all see reductions in our utility bills................dont hold your breath.

My heart goes out to the guys that have put their time and money into building their businesses...RIP - UKPV.

 

[thesapper72]

Sure I read that even to be entitled for this new FIT rate your property would require an EPC with a rating of C or more!! Would just like to know how many houses in the UK would reach this standard?

Recently got an EPC done on my property (it was free), and I live in a typical house for the area I live in.
- 3 bed semi, built around 1910 (no cav's)
- double glazed etc
- 250mm insulation in loft
- boiler about 2yrs old
- TRV's on all rads
- Energy efficient light bulbs everywhere

etc. etc.

Rating of the house was 'E (47)'.

If I upgraded my heating controls and put a new boiler in, rating would increase to D(60). Why would I want to spend 4-5K on this when my boiler in only 2yrs old?

To get my property up to the required 'C' rating would cost in excess of £20k!!

This new requirement for an EPC will considerably reduce the properties available within the UK that will be eligible for this new reduced FIT rate!

 

[SolarCity]

The Millenium Dome cost £1billion. Wembley cost £800million. FITs have cost £800 million.

I'm sure I have my figures right.

The Dome, as predicted, has been as much use as a paper hat. For the price paid for Wembley, we could have build 8 top stadia. FITs have built an industry and retrained an industry that suffered more than most from economic downturn.

I wish Greg Barker could sit in my office for just 1 hour and then maybe it would dawn on him how difficult it is to run a business. Businesses aren't just figures on a sodding spreadsheet. I am frantically trying to fit anxious customers into a 5 week schedule which will be thrown out by something as simple as a bit of wind and rain - coupled with that, I am desperately trying to form a business plan that will ensure that our business will survive after 8th December. Two holidays have been cancelled and a lot of sleep has been lost. I wonder how much thought the 'consultation' gave to this when they come up with THAT figure and THAT date.

Get these incompetent jokers out.

 

[HelloPercy]

I think the use of the REAL deposit database is the way to control this, lets hope so.

If anyone is holding stock of SolarWorld, Sanyo and SMA inverters then i would be interested to hear from them as i have signed jobs and i fear will not be able to get the kit on time. Thanks

 

[wilsdenbus]

I agree that there needed to be some reduction in the fit payments and have no problems with the concept and as many on here have done started to make provisions for this

The problem i have with greg barkers proposal is just the timing coming up to winter where weather will play a part in schedules something no one can predict coupled with a major supply problem with pv stock. I know they are fully aware of the problems installers face and will not be intrested as it wont effect the decc if this forces a large part of the solar industry out of work not including the support sectors. This change in my view has come about in responce to the goverment saying that shortfalls in the fits would have to be paid from the decc funds.

my advice is log into www.writetothem.com and put your views to your local MP today it takes two minutes to do and what have you got to loose as this still needs parlimentary backing.

 

[The Launderer]

I think if every one of us writes to our MP today it may help. I have already done so.

 

[GaryM]

Done, lets see if it makes a difference!

 

[GaryM]

my advice is log into www.writetothem.com and put your views to your local MP today it takes two minutes to do and what have you got to loose as this still needs parlimentary backing.

Why don't you start a new topic as it might get lost in this one for many people due to the number of pages.

 

[solarsavings]

We cant possibly install and commission the systems we have booked in five weeks and it begs the question, have we left ourselves open to law suits from those customers we have contracts with? (our terms and conditions, benefit calcs did not allow for this)

My guess is a good number of installers could end up in legal disputes with those customers whose systems aren't installed and the paperwork completed by the 8th December( if correct).

 

[JulianC]

Just given my MP both barrels.

 

[itty]

Here's my pathetic attempt to at least occupy their thoughts for a second! Sent to a selection of MP's in my area. Won't do the slightest bit of good though me thinks

Dear Local MP

The imminent excessive cut to the Solar PV FIT scheme compels me to voice my disgust at the government and all associated in this short sighted cost saving.

If the tariff is halved as leaked recently on a bona fide website, solar PV will end in this country. This is obviously very serious to an individual such as myself considering the costs to both my finances and time. To summarise this:

6 months to achieve MCS – having to implement a quality management system and meeting all government selection criteria
1 month to compile a business plan and financial forecast to try and secure a cashflow injection in these times of austerity
Countless hours and lots of money creating:
brand image
marketing
website
stationery
contracts
risk assessments
method statements
terms and conditions
guarantees

In addition to this I have had to:
source reliable suppliers, scaffolders, roofers
register for CIS, VAT, and secure monthly returns
source a bookkeeper
source an accountant
source a structural engineer
purchase lots of equipment
fund training

These are just the main points. I have worked almost all hours for the last year to set up a successful business.

I don’t expect you or whoever reads this to feel any empathy, and you will probably be completely unaffected. I suggest you take heart in the satisfaction you will put many small (and larger) businesses on the scrap heap. If you dare to let your mind wander, take a moment to reflect the implications of this cull. If you possess any moral fibre whatsoever, this email will occupy your thoughts for quite sometime. If not, then that tells a story.

One last point, historically governments have emerged from recession by backing new industries. Solar PV is currently one of the few buoyant industries in the UK. What does ending it tell the public about your ability to guide us through these tough economic times???

 

[Dale200bhp]

We cant possibly install and commission the systems we have booked in five weeks and it begs the question, have we left ourselves open to law suits from those customers we have contracts with? (our terms and conditions, benefit calcs did not allow for this)

My guess is a good number of installers could end up in legal disputes with those customers whose systems aren't installed and the paperwork completed by the 8th December( if correct).

I thought this too as I have 5 or possibly 6 systems to install, which with my original electrical contracting side of the business was going to be hard before xmas.
Im thinking of giving all deposits back, closing the solar PV side and stick to my electrical contracting! I dont think I will be the only on either. I wait to here this statement tommorow a 3.00pm

Congratulations Mr Cameron

 

[malcolmsanford]

I thought this too as I have 5 or possibly 6 systems to install, which with my original electrical contracting side of the business was going to be hard before xmas.
Im thinking of giving all deposits back, closing the solar PV side and stick to my electrical contracting! I dont think I will be the only on either. I wait to here this statement tommorow a 3.00pm

Congratulations Mr Cameron

Dale I would hold fire on that mate, if you already have accreditation with REAL MCS etc then ride the storm out and take stock before all these have to be renewed. I'm sure there are going to be some dealing done by these organisations who are also in danger of being affected by the cuts.

As your already trading as an electrical contractor for now it is another string to your bow and who knows what will happen in the fore coming months.

In fact I think you lads that are general contractors as well as PV could be in a very good place

 

[cbw]

Dale thats exactly what I have done.

I have one left booked in and am considering returning his deposit also

James

 

[TedM]

Something else to tell your MP:

Centrica (British Gas) pay out more to their top six executive directors in salaries and benefits than they pay out in Feed in Tariff payments to all their customers.