From small photons: UK utility npower cites 80% increase in solar installation enquiries

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

In the grand scheme of things data released by UK utility, npower may seem rather insignificant but is actually a major boost to the realization that photovoltaics in the UK is taking off and that demand is far exceeding expectations just a month after the UK government introduced the first feed-in tariff that parallels other good systems in place in Germany, Italy and France. Confirmed figures given to PV-Tech from the utility mean that a total of 55 PV systems were installed by its installation partner Ecofirst Ltd, since the beginning of April, 2010 when the tariff was introduced.

npower also said that it had witnessed an 80% increase in solar enquiries from homeowners, resulting in approximately 200 enquiries in the month of April.  The utility had previously reported that enquiries increased 200% when the idea of a tariff scheme was announced in July 2009. According to npower a record numbers of homeowners have registered to have panels installed, boosting the solar industry in the UK.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

 “It’s fantastic to see Feed-in-Tariffs generating so much interest with homeowners and the scheme should be applauded for energising the solar industry in the UK, commented Louisa Gilchrist, solar expert for npower.

According to market research firm, iSuppli Corp PV installations in the UK could reach 100MW due to strong residential demand that has been pent-up for years as well as the commercial side, in particular farmers for farm building rooftop applications. These projects are typically larger than residential projects and could boost figures considerably over the next few years as farmers see a significant return on investment with larger system installations.

Read Next

September 15, 2025
Norwegian energy firm Statkraft has agreed to divest a portion of its renewable energy portfolio to Serentica Renewables.
September 15, 2025
UNSW spin-out company Lab360 Solar has been awarded funding from ARENA to bring its drone-based PV inspection technology to market.
Premium
September 15, 2025
The UK government and solar industry have jointly published a long-anticipated roadmap detailing how to maximise the country’s solar potential. Chris Hewett, CEO of Solar Energy UK takes a closer look at the details.
September 15, 2025
Australia has reached 26.8GW of installed rooftop solar at the end of the first half of 2025, according to a report from the Clean Energy Council (CIC).
September 15, 2025
Vikram Solar has secured a contract to supply 200MW of modules to AB Energia, a domestic solar engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) solutions provider. 
September 12, 2025
Colombian energy supplier Celsia is seeking more than US$1.2 billion in investment to build wind and solar generation projects in Peru. 

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines