Following the cabinet reshuffle, the UK’s Solar champion in government, Greg Barker replaced new Secretary of State for Energy, Matt Hancock. Mr Hancock reaffirmed his faith in the UK’s solar potential several times in a Parliament debate on renewable energy this week, the new secretary was keen to point out how Solar PV was one of the largest potentials in the UK renewables race , particularly with its track record and current performance.

Mr Hancock even voiced his belief that with current rates of improvement and reductions in cost, Solar PV could even become grid competitive in the not too distant future. When posed a question regarding the costs of renewable technology, Mr Hancock  again championed Solar Pv as a model, “Improving renewables in our country is, of course, about finance as well as technology on the ground. There is a big opportunity, especially as the cost of renewable energy falls – the cost of solar is pre-eminent in that fall – and we must seize it with both hands.”

The new Secretary was also supportive of larger scale commercial Solar within the UK. Solar Farms, which have oft become highly politicised and controversial subjects due to the upcoming expiration of the renewable obligation scheme, were broadly supported by Mr Hancock who stated that, were appropriately sited, there were many opportunities for Solar PV be that on roofs on in ground mounted arrays typical of the recent large scale solar farms.

However, Mr Barkers emphasis on these points was that placement is vital and must be considered above all else when placing solar PV

“There is no point in destroying our green and pleasant land in order to save the global environment. We have to tackle security of supply and climate change in a way that also protects the local environment.”

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