Solar Spin‑off: MPs, Lords and the Solar Trade Association Demand a Fair Floor for Home‑Generated Power
On a cloudy Tuesday, the UK’s House of Commons and Lords went full-on green‑talk. MPs, Lords and the Solar Trade Association (STA) have put all their weight on energy minister Claire Perry to stand up for ordinary folks who feed excess power into the grid. The debate erupted after last night’s consultation on a new “Smart Energy Guarantee” (SEG) meant to reward tiny, low‑carbon generators.
What’s the Plot? (and why it’s a bit of a blunder)
- Consultation closed last night, sparking intense discussion in both Houses.
- Government ministers in the Lords have said households and small generators will eventually qualify for SEG, but the exact start date and details are still unclear.
- While the export tariff expires later this month, no real plan on how SEG will operate makes the situation look like a policy black hole.
- This gap could hurt the industry, and the government is under fire for leaving the market in limbo.
STA’s “Fair Minimum Floor” Call
Chris Hewett, STA chief executive, made his point loud and clear: fairness for consumers and a healthy workforce are non‑negotiables. “We are fast approaching a cliff edge,” he said, urging the government to set a minimum floor price for exported solar power that scales with the rates paid to larger generators.
Key Points from STA
- Solar households deserve the same treatment as big utilities who get market certainty and investment support.
- Current data‑sharing systems are not ready to run a smooth SEG; caution is essential.
- The SEG’s uncertainty risks turning consumers and installers into “cost‑cutters,” a false economy the STA warns against.
Rippin’s and MCS’s Stand‑up
Ian Rippin, Chief Executive of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), added that just 18 working days remain until the current export tariff ends. “The industry and consumers face a deeply concerning policy hiatus,” he warned. He urged households to make sure they use MCS‑certified installers—a badge that guarantees quality and competence.
Meanwhile, the Council of Mortgage Lenders has advised that all new and existing Solar PV installations must be MCS certified to avoid a property being deemed ineligible for a mortgage.
Parliamentary Dramas: Cross‑Party Reactions
Thursday’s debates in both Houses were a mix of gavel‑flicks and spirited persuasion:
House of Commons – Antoinette Sandbach (Conservative)
Sandbach urged ministers to heed the solar industry’s pleas: “I strongly encourage ministers to listen and put in place a fair minimum floor price—quickly.”
House of Lords – Baroness Jenny Jones (Green)
Jones held a Regret Motion against the scheme closure, arguing that the government is “unbelievable” for leaving the public in the dark while climate headlines are at crisis levels. She said the absence of a SEG would force ordinary investors to “give excess electricity away for free to big energy companies.”
Bottom Line
Energy ministers have a lot on their plate: they must guarantee a reasonable minimum floor price for consumer submissions, bring the SEG on time, and avoid a policy cliff that could cost the solar industry and households alike. The coming weeks will decide whether the UK can keep its green momentum or let it sputter out.
Why It Matters
- Ensures fair play for homes facing the same power play as big players.
- Protects an industry that could falter under uncertain times.
- Strengthens consumer confidence and investment security in a greener future.
