The Government has been criticised for undervaluing the benefits of solar energy in a new report.

Microgeneration – smaller scale projects – should not be the only ones getting cash in the Feed in Tariffs scheme, the Solar Trade Association have argued.

Their Alternative Solar Revolution Strategy would see cuts to FiTs reduced from 70% to 25%.

Howard Johns, Chairman of Solar Trade Association said: “The Government has got it wrong on solar. We are on the cusp of a global solar revolution, major markets all over the world recognize that solar energy is critical to our future.

Some renewable campaigners agree. Alan Simpson, Sustainability Advisor to Friends of the Earth said: “We urgently need a green energy revolution to create new jobs and tackle the twin threats of rising fuel prices and global climate change. Harnessing the power of the sun is essential to the development of a low-carbon economy, but Government funding cuts threaten to kill off this fledgling industry.”

Along with Greenpeace, the two organisations are launching a campaign calling for a solar revolution in the UK called Solar Needs You.

Responding to the STA report, a DECC spokesperson said: “We support sustained growth in the solar industry and have proposed measures for consultation that will protect the FITs scheme for homes, small businesses and communities. Solar PV schemes under 50 kW are unaffected by the fast-track review.”