The heat is on

THAT solar panels are proving so popular in these parts offers a ray of hope to this region’s burgeoning green economy – and those householders who are trying to offset rises in their domestic energy bills.

By The Newsroom

Published 14th Sep 2011, 08:00 BST

It is also noteworthy that take-up has been particularly significant in Sheffield where the council has targeted installations schemes at the low-paid; this is one way of helping to lift such families out of poverty.

However, it is disturbing that the Government’s grants could soon be scaled back – even though Ministers are committed to reducing carbon emissions.

It would be regrettable if a scheme became the victim of its own success as the concept of micro-generation finally takes off after so many years of procrastination.

For, if the Government believes solar power is a key part of this country’s future energy policy, then it should be doing more to ensure that this happens – especially if it means fewer wind turbines blighting landscapes like the Yorkshire Wolds, and which have so inspired the artist David Hockney.