Isra-Mart srl news:Solar firms launch FIT review legal battle

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Isra-Mart srl news:

David Cameron has today been urged to follow the government's so-called forest sell-off "yew turn" and ditch the government's controversial fast-track review of feed-in tariff (FIT) incentives for solar installations.

The calls came as it emerged that a group of more than 20 solar energy executives have launched a legal battle challenging the government's surprise decision to review the level of feed-in tariffs available to solar installations of more than 50kW capacity.

Following a meeting with law firm Eversheds this week, solar companies have now written to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) warning they are prepared to launch a judicial review against the government for failing to sufficiently consider the consequences of bringing forward a review of FITs.

According to the Telegraph, the companies are raising funds for a joint case, despite insisting they would prefer to settle the matter out of court.

On hearing the news, Jeremy Leggett, founder and chairman of Solarcentury, urged the government, via Twitter, to perform another "yew turn", referencing the order by David Cameron this week to scrap plans to sell off the UK's publicly owned forests.

"There's a fair chance of a U-turn," Leggett told BusinessGreen. "They've torpedoed their own good news stories and it's not too late. Cameron played yesterday's u-turn really well."

As a result of the FIT review, solar energy projects larger than 50kWh now face the threat of seeing feed-in tariff incentives cut or removed altogether if they come online after the new tariffs are announced later this summer.

Secretary of state for energy Chris Huhne is bringing forward the review in an attempt to address growing fears that large solar farm developers could eat into the limited funds available for smaller rooftop installations.

However, many installers had been expecting the government not to review the level of incentives available until 2012, giving developers time to gain planning permission for projects before any cuts come into effect.

They are also frustrated that the fast-track review covers all installations over 50kW, including mid-sized rooftop installations.