Environmental group, Friends of the Earth, claims the “sun is starting to shine again” on the solar industry following a year and half of uncertainty.

The organisation welcomed the Government’s Feed-in Tariff reduction following a letter it sent to DECC last week asking for more certainty in the UK solar sector.

Andy Atkins, CEO of the group suggested the reforms announced by the Energy Minister will help the solar industry to grow steadily and secure future jobs. He said: “Greg Barker’s 2020 vision will allow solar firms to get back on their feet, protect jobs and plan for the future – but to avoid more fiascos any mechanism for setting subsidy payments must be managed independently of Government.”

Energy supplier Good Energy also welcomed the announcement for small solar installations but said the Government needs to improve the market for larger installations too. CEO Juliet Davenport said: “What is now crucial is that government gets the Renewables Obligation for larger scale solar right as well. Solar has a valuable part to play in a balanced renewable energy portfolio, because the sun is often shining when the wind isn’t blowing, and vice-versa.”