Sharp predicts a bright future for UK solar market

Since the release of the feed-in tariff rates for the UK, Sharp Energy Solutions Europe has announced that it plans to significantly expand its resources in the region as the company expects a large amount of PV uptake within the next couple of years. 

"So far the UK solar market has lagged behind its European neighbors - but now Britain is taking the opportunity to bring about change in energy policy and simultaneously stimulate industry growth in the field of renewable energies.  In our solar module factory in Wales in Wrexham, we have expanded the production capacity of initially 20 to now 280MW."

Sharp also anticipates that the FiT rate, of up to 41.3p/kWh (€0.47.4), will draw in a large audience interested in boosting the UK market at Eco Build, the world's largest trade fair for sustainable building in London, running from March 2-4.

"We expect large crowds of visitors at the fair," said Andrew Lee, general manager of Sharp Solar UK.  "The interest in photovoltaic solutions will be greater under these policy frameworks than ever."

Peter Thiele, executive vice president of Sharp Energy Solutions Europe notes that in the UK last year there was only 5MW of newly installed solar panels, however; according to the research firm IMS Research, the impact of the FiT could boost this figure to over 250MW by 2011.

The company also sees growth in the economy, with the creation of new job opportunities based upon the success of the PV industry in the UK. The company already provides 700 jobs in the European PV factory.  Andrew Lee said, "We now expect an upturn in the market, so our modules will now be installed in more in Britain and thus create additional jobs."

Sharp will present at Eco Build at Booth 1148.