05 April 2012
Major national players from the world of solar PV convened in York at the end of February for the Energy Saving Trust Solar Reset event.
The event, organised by tadea on behalf of Energy Saving Trust, was held in the Royal York Hotel, and was set up to help installers, local authorities and housing professionals find out how to get the most out of solar technology. The event came at a time crucial to an industry working out how best to come terms with fundamental changes brought about by the Government’s Feed-in Tariff (FiT) review.
The recent FiTs changes had left many in the industry unsure as to the future viability of solar photovoltaic projects. However, the Solar Reset event helped those in the photovoltaic sector and their key partners take stock of the new financial environment and to develop new, sustainable approaches for the future.
Speakers and panel guests included, among others, Gideon Richards, Chair of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme, Howard Johns, Chair of Solar Trade Association, Helena Tinker, Environment Programme Manager from Kirklees Council and Craig Jackson, Senior Architectural Technician from South Yorkshire Housing Association.
Ian Cuthbert, the Energy Saving Trust’s Microgeneration Advice Manager, opened the event and provided delegates with an overview of the situation currently facing the solar industry. He was delighted with the event and proud of what was discussed and achieved on the day.
“I thought that the Solar Reset event was superb,” he said. “It is always great to see lively and inspiring debates on the issues of Energy Performance Certificates and Micro Generation Certificates.
Reza Shaybani, Chairman of the British Photovoltaic Association (BPVA), also thought the event was a startling success. “The British Photovoltaic Association found the Solar Reset event to be highly beneficial and relevant,” he said. “The quality of the delegates, especially installers, and the venue’s location were important factors in the success of the event. The BPVA will certainly support such events in future.”
To ensure that the progress made and ideas captured at Solar Reset are fully utilised, comments gathered on the day from delegates are to be collated and passed on to the Department of Energy and Climate Change. This will help paint for Government a true picture of the photovoltaic industry in the north of England.