Lobbying
Solar thermal technologies in the UK have never featured highly on the Government’s agenda-in reality, until about two years ago; heat has not really featured in the energy policy. Consequently we have struggled to obtain support and recognition of our emerging innovative technology and the crucial role it can play in assisting to meet our heat needs.
Moving forward from a history of stop start funding and support, poorly compiled reports and numerous bodies carrying out identical work is a slow and tricky process. The STA has been devoting considerable time and making valuable progress in raising the awareness of the potential of solar thermal systems and the affordable solution they offer.
Over the last few years the STA, working closely with Ministers, MPs, Civil Servants, the press and other trade bodies, has increased the exposure of the industry resulting in a many successes, including:
- Low Carbon Buildings Programme;
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- Winning an extra £6million for funding and grants, increasing the assistance for households to install renewable technologies with the home.
- Expanding the scheme to LCBP Phase 2 in July 2009, allowing for grants for community based projects.
- Introducing the Permitted Development Rights for solar collectors which stand less than 200mm above the roofline, meaning most building do not need to gain planning permission to install a solar thermal system.
- Involvement in the committee and consultation processes for the Code for Sustainable Homes, particularly helping to define the code for 3, 4, 5 and 6 level homes.
- MCS
However, now with renewable energy targets emerging at the forefront of government policy, the STA still has a lot of work to cover to ensure that the solar thermal industry is fully represented in the full framework of policy support. Currently, some of the key areas which we are working on are:
- Development of the Renewable Heat Incentive - due to launch in April 2011- this policy has the potential to provide our industry with long term financial support and it is essential that we feed into this process so we can obtain mechanisms which truly work for us.
- Continued work on the MCS to ensure it does not promote a barrier for our membership moving forwards and yet provides the public with recognised standards, making it difficult for less reputable companies to function successfully.