Ian Bradford: Is the Solar Market Heading for a Crisis?

In the UK, several solar companies recently declared bankruptcy, shocking the renewable energy sector. This trend is concerning and raises questions about the broader implications for the solar market.

The UK solar industry, once a shining example of the nation’s commitment to renewable energy is now facing turbulent times. The removal of government incentives in 2017 has left many companies needing help to maintain profitability, plus the economic outlook remains uncertain, with interest rates and inflation impacting financial stability.

Alastair Frizzell: The Dysfunctional Solar Market

The recent demise of Solar Zero has highlighted some of the problems that exist in the New Zealand solar market. While I do not know the specifics of the Solar Zero failure I would not speculate that the Company may have been stripped of assets, including the hundred and ten million dollars the tax payer bucketed into the company. Solar Zero’s problems indicate wider problems within the industry.

The Government aims to significantly increase solar generation. The chances of that happening are, I believe impossible in the current climate, no pun intended. The reason, our love of bureaucracy and our abhorrence of long-term investments. Let me explain.