Solar energy firms call for end to EU tariffs

Global Business

One decision taken at the European Union level has proved unpopular with some solar power companies in the UK. Half a million solar panels were installed every day around the world last year. 

Lower costs mean the capacity to generate electricity from renewable sources has overtaken coal for the first time. But a simmering row over the EU’s trade barriers against Chinese solar panels has erupted once again.

CCTV’s Richard Bestic reports from London.
Follow Richard Bestic on Twitter @bestic_richard

More than 400 European solar energy firms have demanded the EU immediately scrap minimum pricing trade measures against China.

They say they’re harming the growth of an important industry across the European continent.

The boss at one of Britain’s biggest solar panel installers, Nick Boyle, says European tariffs act as a drag on the development of clean energy.

Boyle says Lightsource Renewable Energy is always on the lookout for new ways of pushing out solar panels. Trade barriers acting as a damper on innovation and business, claims the company.

The EU’s minimum price rules were introduced four years ago to combat alleged overproduction and dumping from Chinese manufacturers, to create a ‘level playing field, currently disputed by China.’

Lightsource claims it is research and development and the economies of scale that give the edge to Chinese Solar Panels.

The pressure on the European Union then from both producers and installers keen to shine their light looks set to remain unrelenting.

For the foreseeable future, the solar power industry will continue to be seen as industry in Europe at odds with itself.