On 26 September, the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) published its latest figures on solar PV deployment in the UK. The figures have been deemed inaccurate by the STA as the methodology for data collection relies on subsidy schemes that are no longer in operation, including the Feed-in Tariff, which was drawn to a close at the end of March this year.
The STA is calling on BEIS to cease publishing these inaccurate statistics, and to swiftly implement the recommendations of the Energy Data Taskforce, which includes introducing a generation asset registration system, to enable truly accurate monitoring of solar PV and battery storage deployment.
STA Chief Executive Chris Hewett said; “Understanding the exact make-up of our energy system is a vital step on the road to Net Zero. The energy sector will not be able to fully decarbonise unless it is certain of which forms of generation are contributing to the grid. We need all assets to be registered and publicly catalogued as set out under the recommendations of the Energy Data Taskforce. Until this happens, BEIS must cease publishing statistics which are missing significant portions of capacity such as large-scale commercial and industrial rooftop PV installations, as these are too large to be captured by MCS registration.”
Timely, detailed and accurate market data for the entirety of the small-scale renewable electricity and energy storage industry is critical for:
- Ensuring safe, efficient and cost-effective grid operation and electricity supply
- Providing an accurate picture of the market landscape to drive investment and new business models
- Providing a robust evidence base for research, innovation and policy-making
Prior to summer recess, a number of MPs, including SNP Energy Spokesperson Drew Hendry, queried the accuracy of BEIS’ solar deployment figures through written questions to the Secretary of State at the time.
