UK records last-minute feed-in tariff surge as subsidy scheme closes for good

April 10, 2019
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Image: Sungift Solar.

More than 240MW of feed-in tariff-accredited solar was installed in the UK in Q1 2019 as the country’s last remaining subsidy mechanism closed to new applicants.

The UK’s FiT closed on 1 April 2019 and the country’s energy regulator Ofgem released its final set of deployment statistics late last week, confirming that a total of 242.5MW was installed in the first three months of 2019 as installers rushed to meet the deadline.

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

That figure is more than double the previous best quarter of deployment under the revised scheme, which was launched in February 2016 following government intervention.

The most significant source of deployment was in the FiT’s large commercial rooftop band, which accounts for installs above 50kW in size. More than 85MW worth of rooftop PV was installed under this band in Q1 2019.

A full breakdown of the statistics can be seen on sister publication Solar Power Portal

3 November 2026
Málaga, Spain
Understanding PV module supply to the European market in 2027. PV ModuleTech Europe 2026 is a two-day conference that tackles these challenges directly, with an agenda that addresses all aspects of module supplier selection; product availability, technology offerings, traceability of supply-chain, factory auditing, module testing and reliability, and company bankability.

Read Next

April 24, 2026
Scientists at Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) have developed coloured films for solar PV modules that can imitate roof tiles or building facades.
Premium
April 24, 2026
Reforms to the UK’s grid connection process for renewable energy projects are underway, aimed at easing the logjam of applications.
April 24, 2026
The European Commission has reportedly banned EU funds from supporting energy projects using Chinese-made inverters.
April 23, 2026
A planned 13GW polysilicon production plant in the Netherlands, powered by renewable energy, has been designated as a strategic project under the EU’s Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA).
April 23, 2026
UAE state-owned renewables developer Masdar has established a joint venture (JV) with the national power utility of Montenegro to develop “large-scale” clean energy projects in the country.
April 23, 2026
The Global Solar Council has announced a new management and strategy board drawn from across the solar and storage industries.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
May 27, 2026
9am BST / 10am CEST
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 3, 2026
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain