Govt''s solar PV scheme ''needs to be attractive to consumers''

Posted by Robert Shields.

Government proposals to introduce a feed-in tariff scheme from the beginning of April need to be financially attractive to the country''s consumers, an expert suggests.

While ministers hope to encourage householders to adopt devices like solar PV panels in order to produce their own form of clean energy, Consumer Focus''s Liz Laine believes that further cash-back incentives may be required.

Ms Laine commented: ''It [the government] needs to offer more attractive cash-back rates to overcome the cost-barrier of installing this technology and provide better information and advice to consumers.''

She went on to say that by focusing more on renewable energy at a localised level, ministers might be able to improve the low carbon credentials of the UK.

Meanwhile, Ms Laine has positively received related plans outlined by the government this week for a renewable heat scheme, which is expected to come into force in April of next year.