Microgeneration: the installer perspective

Hanna, R., Leach, M. and Torriti, J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0569-039X (2018) Microgeneration: the installer perspective. Renewable Energy, 116 (Part A). pp. 458-469. ISSN 0960-1481 doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2017.09.023

Abstract/Summary

This paper presents an exploratory analysis of microgeneration installer businesses in the UK during a period of intense change in the policy environment from 2010 to 2012. The research examines the influence of installer businesses on rates of uptake and standards of installation, and the interplay between business practices and the policy environment. The research developed new detailed datasets through a nationwide survey, to which 388 installers responded, and follow-up interviews with 22 installers. Focusing on solar photovoltaics and air source heat pumps installed in households, the results show the fundamental dependence of installer businesses on government financial incentives and on the quality assurance scheme in operation. Market confidence was compromised by the sharp reduction in the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) for residential solar PV in 2012 and long delays to the equivalent Renewable Heat Incentive for residential installations. Nevertheless, more modest FIT levels have reduced the risk of sub-optimal installations and inappropriate specification of microgeneration systems. The findings underline the need for consistent policy to allow installer businesses and their supply chains to develop and mature, and thus facilitate commercial deployment of microgeneration of high quality, raise its competiveness with incumbent forms of energy supply and contribute to decarbonisation goals.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/73053
Identification Number/DOI	10.1016/j.renene.2017.09.023
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Interdisciplinary centres and themes > Energy Research Science > School of the Built Environment > Energy and Environmental Engineering group
Uncontrolled Keywords	Microgeneration; subsidies; energy policy; Feed-In Tariff; solar PV; air source heat pumps
Publisher	Elsevier
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