http://www.newenergyworldnetwork.com/renewable-energy-news/by-technology/energy-efficiency/uk-fit-may-lead-to-rushed-jobs-warns-low-carbon-specialist.html

Renewable energy project specialist Low Carbon Energy (LCE) has cast doubts over the availability of reliable and experienced installers needed to fulfill the demand generated by smaller-scale renewable energy projects in the UK public sector.

Smaller renewable energy projects for public and social sector buildings such as solar photovoltaic (PV) installation can make a significant contribution to the revenues of owners while generating free power.
With more than 1,500 installers joining the Microgeneration Certification Scheme last year, however, membership alone may not be sufficient guarantee of the expertise and financial stability that larger and public organisations need.
Only companies accredited under the scheme are eligible to install projects that will qualify for the UK feed-in tariffs (FIT), which pay property owners a fixed fee for generating power on site.
The UK FIT is to be reviewed in 2013 and early indicators suggest a likely decline in the value of return, providing an imperative for installers to act quickly to secure the best rates, which LCE warns may hamper the results.
‘With the FIT system guaranteed for 25 years, PV panels will still generate a positive return for the public sector and social landlords, whichever finance route they choose,’ said LCE spokesperson Richard Garth-Jones.
‘What is important in these economic times is that they have a choice of options for up-front funding so they do not have to lose out on the benefits.’
LCE, which is now part of independent onshore wind farm developer West Coast Energy Group, calculates that a PV panel installation can lead to long-term returns of up to nine per cent, taking into account UK subsidies.