Solar panel subsidy cuts halted by ministers

Solar panel subsidy cuts halted by ministers Moves to cut subsidies for fitting solar panels on homes were halted by ministers today following warnings that the planned reductions threatened Britain's hopes of hitting targets for renewable energy production. The Independent disclosed this month that senior figures in the solar energy industry warned they faced a crisis which jeopardised thousands of jobs as a result of tariff reductions. The July reduction has been halted at the last moment by Greg Barker, the Climate Change minister. The Cut Don't Kill campaign, backed by 400 solar industry executives, welcomed the surprise step. He wrote on Twitter: "Having listened carefully to industry, we're looking at scope for pushing back a little the next proposed reduction in the solar tariffs. But its spokesman, Howard Johns, said: "This freeze needs to be genuine and not cosmetic. "After the policy shambles of the past six months, the solar industry needs adequate time to get back on its feet. Solar panel subsidy cuts halted by ministers Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 18/05/2012