Solar Photovoltaic (PV) electricity is poised to become a significant and competitive supplier to the European electricity market. The UK has traditionally lagged behind markets like Germany, however, the introduction of a Feed in Tariff (FiT) is changing the scene. Whilst boosting the share of PV can contribute to reaching the UK’s ambitious renewable energy targets, there are lessons for the government and the domestic market from the European experience.
Context in the UK
The European Renewable Energy Directive sets the UK a target of achieving 15% of total energy from renewable sources by 2020, the UK government expects that the electricity sector will make the largest contribution towards this target. In addition, the UK is facing the huge investment challenge of replacing large amounts of Coal fired capacity being shut down by the EU’s Large Combustion plants directive and large amounts of nuclear power due to retire over the next 10 years.
