The UK’s five leading green media companies have joined together to impose a voluntary blackout of renewable energy companies looking to exploit consumer confusion surrounding the Feed-in Tariff.
The B2B and B2C network of the biggest online sites is to create and maintain a blacklist of companies that will be refused editorial and marketing space.
The move is in response to press releases and online advertising campaigns targeted at the consumer, which carry misleading claims and false facts to exploit the current confusion and uncertainty in the market.
BusinessGreen, ClickGreen, GreenWise, Renewable Energy Installer and YouGen have agreed to impose the three-month blackout in an attempt to deter companies from promoting inaccurate and irresponsible claims in editorial submissions and advertising.
ClickGreen’s Stuart Qualtrough explained the joint agreement would hopefully help support the industry’s long-term reputation.
“We will not be naming and shaming but simply ignoring,” he added. “We want to promote a level playing field for both the installers and the consumers that will encourage the further roll-out of renewable energy across the UK.”
And James Murray, editor of BusinessGreen, said the aim of the blackout was to protect both readers and reputable solar firms from misleading claims about the current level of incentives for solar installations.
“Rightly or wrongly the government has created confusion in the solar market by again appealing against a court ruling that deemed its proposed cuts to feed-in tariffs were unlawful,” he explained. “But there are some adverts and claims circulating that ignore the nuance of the case and are attempting to drum up short term business based on misleading claims.
“We are delighted to promote reputable solar firms that communicate with customers in a clear manner, but those that seek to exploit current confusion are only serving to damage the entire market.”
Cathy Debenham of YouGen, added: “It is really important that consumers are protected from this totally unethical practice. High feed-in tariff rates have led to many to many people being misled by dodgy sales people.
“We know that there are lots of excellent solar PV installers giving realistic information, and we want to make sure that it is their voices that are heard during this period of uncertainty, not those of the cowboys.”
GreenWise editor Louise Bateman, said: “The solar Feed-in Tariff debacle has been the biggest story to hit the UK green sector and it is important that it continues to be reported accurately and that rogue traders are not allowed to take advantage of the situation and further damage this important renewable energy industry. That is why we have agreed to this voluntary blackout.”
And Lu Rahman, editor of Renewable Energy Installer, added: “We represent the interests of the small-scale installer, the majority of whom have worked hard to create businesses built on trust, strong customer relationships and knowledge of their sector. It is therefore disappointing that a small number of installers are looking to exploit the current Feed-in Tariff situation for financial gain.
“Prior to the 12 December deadline many companies were working tirelessly to ensure their pre-bookings were met and customers qualified for the higher rate tariff before it was cut. Now we have businesses looking to make what they can from the situation without thinking about the knock-on effects it will have for the reputation of a growing industry.
“Only last year, the sector had to rise above the media claims of ‘cowboy installers’. Let’s hope the Feed-in Tariff doesn’t create a new reason for renewables to hit the headlines, in all the wrong ways.”
The Renewable Energy Association is warning UK solar PV installers could soon face a shortage of solar panels as manufacturers divert stock to other countries following DECC’s disastrous handling of the Feed-in Tariff scheme.
Government ministers have been warned they have passed the point of no return with their appeal bid to the Supreme Court as last week’s ruling has wider implications for other Whitehall departments.
Lee Summers, technical director at the Alumet Group commented: “The High Court ruling on the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) for solar PV will have numerous consequences for the UK solar industry. It is hoped that some much need certainty will return and that we can go back to planning and running our business sustainably.”
Kensa Heat Pumps has provided ground and water source pumps at the Lee Valley White Water Centre.
Lee Valley White Water Centre, a new world class venue, built in the Lee Valley, provides a much-needed white water site for canoeists, kayakers and rafters alike. Effort was sought by the developers of this project to reduce the carbon footprint of the Park’s operations and maximise energy efficiency.
It’s all very well saying more installers need to get into installing renewable technologies, but for many it remains a leap into the dark. Ian Stares, product group manager for renewables and green energy products at PTS, says there are four key steps installers must take before they take the plunge.
Bright future: Ian Draisey of Dulas looks beyond recent uncertainty in FiT
The recent Feed-in Tariff announcement has left many in the industry feeling disheartened and uncertain as to the future of the PV sector over the coming months. Whilst recognising the upset the cuts have created, Ian Draisey, of Dulas MHH, is finding positivity in the situation.
Edmund Robb, Prospect Law provides a summary of the judgement handed down by the Court on of Appeal on 25 January 2012.
On 25 January the appeal mounted by DECC against Mr. Justice Mitting’s judgment in the High Court dated 21 January 2012 in favour of the Judicial Review launched by Prospect Law on behalf of Solar Century Holdings Ltd, (which was later joined by Friends of the Earth and Homesun) against the Ministerial Statement by Greg Barker MP was been unanimously dismissed by Lords Justices Moses, Lloyd and Richards in the Court of Appeal.
Sundog Energy’s managing director, Bill Roberts’s, all-electric company car is now using the power of the sun, generated direct from the company’s 14kWp roof top solar PV installation. And, having just clocked 10,000 miles in less than 6 months, Bill’s Nissan Leaf appears on the Nissan telemetrics website as one of the world’s highest mileage electric vehicles.
London-based trade installers can take advantage of free renewable energy workshops from January to March 2012. Independent consultants BSK-CiC, working together with NAPIT, is providing access to specifically-designed workshops which focus on business opportunities relating to low carbon emissions and the renewable energy sectors.
The first Krannich solar trade outlet in the UK is scheduled to open its doors soon. Based at the company’s Reading headquarters, the store will offer a one-stop solution for installers in the South East. Products will also be available online later in the year.
Everything from inverters to safety boots and harnesses will be available at trade prices. From cabling to special tools, or solar modules to data communication packs, all will be available from a variety of the world’s best suppliers.
“This is an experiment for us,” commented Krannich Solar UK ceo, Juan Romera-Wade. “We are continuously looking for new ways to improve our services to customers – in this case anyone operating within striking distance of our offices. If this proves to be successful we will consider opening further trade outlets in suitable locations throughout the UK.”
E.ON has launched partnerships with two of Birmingham’s universities to develop and demonstrate low carbon technologies and forge closer ties between academia and the world of work.
The National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies has appointed Dr. Cathryn Hickey as its executive director. Hickey will be responsible for providing strategic management and leadership to drive the Skills Academy forward in its objective to deliver high quality, accredited environmental technologies training.
Power-One, provider of renewable energy and energy-efficient power conversion and power management solutions, today has installed 25MW of Aurora solar power inverters in one of the largest PV installations to date in India.
The Supreme Court has warned a final appeal by energy ministers over the High Court ruling on Feed-in Tariffs will take around eight months to reach its courtrooms.
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) today responded to the decision by the Court of Appeal to uphold an earlier ruling that the Government’s change in policy on Feed-In Tariff (FIT) payments was ‘legally flawed’.
Despite being refused leave to appeal to the Supreme Court by three appeal judges this morning, Energy Secretary Chris Huhne has confirmed the Government will still seek permission to go the Supreme Court.
The Government wants to overturn a High Court ruling that planned cuts to the Feed-in Tariff were unlawful.
In a statement, Cabinet Minister Huhne said: “The Court of Appeal has upheld the High Court ruling on FITs albeit on different grounds. We disagree and are seeking permission to appeal to the Supreme Court.
“We have already put before Parliament changes to the regulations that will bring a 21p rate into effect from April for solar pv installations from 3 March to help reduce the pressure on the budget and provide as much certainty as we can for consumers and industry.
“We want to maximise the number of installations that are possible within the available budget rather than use available money to pay a higher tariff to half the number of installations. Solar PV can have strong and vibrant future in UK and we want a lasting FITs scheme to support that future and jobs in the industry.”
John Cridland, CBI Director-General, said the further appeal was wrong, adding: “The judgement should be used to draw a line under this saga, which saw the Government scoring a spectacular own goal and confidence in the renewables sector undermined.
“We must bring certainty back to this high growth sector. Looking to the future, the Government should guarantee the rate applicants will receive earlier in the process, for all the technologies covered by the feed-in-tariff, to give buyers the confidence to proceed.”
Earlier today, fellow DECC Minister Greg Barker wrote on his Twitter account: “Win, lose or draw today, important we move forward together, drive down costs + step up deployment”.
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