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

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

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

July 1, 2025
French private equity firm Ardian Clean Energy Evergreen Fund (ACEEF) has bought 117 solar PV plants, worth 116MW of total capacity in several locations in Italy.
July 1, 2025
Swedish independent power producer (IPP) OX2 has begun operations at a 100MW solar PV plant in Poland, its first project as an IPP.
July 1, 2025
A five-year research initiative is underway in Australia to test the viability of floating solar systems on irrigation dams.
Premium
June 30, 2025
Solargis CEO Marcel Suri explores three areas where new standards could help underpin greater efficiency, accuracy and market resilience.
June 30, 2025
Heliene has completed the sale of Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credits in association with Minnesota-based U.S. Bank.
June 30, 2025
Eni subsidiary Plentiude has started operations at the northern block of its 330MW Renopool solar portfolio in Spain.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
July 2, 2025
Bangkok, Thailand
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece