From 2015 the REA argued for the sector in the face of cuts to the Feed-in Tariff, closure of the Renewables Obligation, removal of LECs, scrapping of the Zero Carbon Homes policy, hiking of VAT on solar and battery storage installations, and closure of Pot 1 of the Contracts for Difference scheme.

Recent REA work in solar is focused on establishing a route to market for solar at domestic, commercial, and standalone scales, amending building regulations, and supporting the emergence of a more flexible power sector.

The REA also works closely with the MSC scheme and it’s wholly-owned subsidiary Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd (REAL) runs the Renewable Energy Consumer Code for domestic solar installers.

REA’s Solar Forum provides its members with a direct solar offering and is an influential voice in the solar industry.

Key work areas of the Forum include:

• Building regulations
• Development of a more flexible power system
• Grid connection costs and processes
• Re-opening of Pot 1 CfD auctions & route to market for subsidy-free solar
• Lobbying for a fairer tax system (particularly on business rates & VAT)
• Consumer protection

Governance of the Forum

• CHAIR: John Macdonald-Brown, CEO at Syzygy Consulting
• Steering Group members: James Birch, CEO at Solecco Solar, Nikki Pillinger, Grid Connections Manager at GRIDSERVE, Greg Triantifyllidis, Technical Director at JBM Solar