Government facing court challenges on solar tariffs

Friends of the Earth and a major solar panel installer are challenging the proposals to reduce payments for solar electricity on the grounds that the new, lower subsidies would be brought in before consultation has run its course.

Ministers say the reductions will ensure that the feed-in tariffs paid for household solar, which has proved much more popular than anticipated, do not end up costing consumers too much.

But under proposals announced last week, the new, lower tariff will apply to anyone registering their solar electricity panels for the scheme on or after December 12 – even though the consultation on the plans runs until December 23.