SWINDON’S solar strategy will still go ahead despite Government plans to cut subsidies, says the commercial director of Public Power Solutions (PPS).

The company, fully owned by Swindon Borough Council, is responsible for moving forward a number of solar projects around the town.

Last month the Government announced it was consulting on reducing subsidies for solar panels which go on people’s roofs, raising concerns there is a lack of commitment to the industry.

The proposals would see the subsidies scheme closed a year early – in April 2016 – for “smallscale” solar farms which can be up to 25 acres in size.

The Government is aiming to save up to £100 million a year by 2020.

But it has prompted anger from some sections of the industry, such as Wiltshire-based Good Energy.

In Swindon, the council, with cross-party support, has an ambition to have every home in Swindon powered using renewable energy by 2020, with solar making up a large portion.

James Owen, of PPS, says projects in Swindon, such as at Common and Chapel Farms, will still go ahead, with the changes hitting the commercial sector harder.

He said: “I am not against the stopping of subsidies. Solar should be able to operate on a parity with other forms of energy. I believe this is on course for 2020 so there is a concern these subsidies are being withdrawn early.

“What it does do is introduce an element of risk into the industry which is never a good thing. It means those involved will have to go back and reassess all the costs now involved.”

James said he was also concerned that the removal of subsidies would lead to wider long-term problems for the solar industry, with many private firms looking elsewhere for subsidies, leaving the UK falling behind.

“It is important that solar is able to reach parity so it competes with other energy forms on a level playing field,” he said.

“A key part of solar is developing storage. As the sun doesn’t shine throughout the day, it is important there is a way of keeping the power stored.

“This is what private companies have been investing in to develop the technology.

“The worry is if these companies now move to chase the subsidies, costs will rise or they may even stop all together.”