A Welsh solar panel provider is doing most of its work in England because of lack of demand in its home country, it has emerged. PV Systems, of Taff’s Well, near Cardiff, can supply panels for any type of building. But 99% of the orders it gets from businesses come from over the border.

In 1998 26 solar panels were installed at the Ford engine factory in Bridgend, at a cost of £1.5m, but since then there has been a dearth of major orders from the private sector in Wales.

Bruce Cross, managing director of PV Systems, said, “The commercial work tends to be in the south east of England – 99% is in England. “That’s just how it works out. I would love to have more closer to home.”

He said planners could set a minimum of renewable energy to be generated by each new building. “The requirement in many boroughs in England is 10% renewables. In London boroughs it’s 20% to get your planning consent.”

Bob Croydon, of property consultants King Sturge in Wales, said higher commercial rents in England paid for solar panels. “Commercial property values are much higher the other side of the river than in Wales. There’s an issue of quality. Solar panelling is perceived as an add-on. It makes the development even more marginal. It’s like buying organic food. In Hampstead, it’s relatively more affordable than if you’re on the dole in the South Wales Valleys.”

Full text article in Green Building magazine

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Labels: planning, PV, solar