The Energy Saving Trust has been forced to issue a statement after details of Government plans to cut the Feed-in Tariff programme were mistakenly posted on its website.
The document, which revealed details of a cut in cash subsidies for solar PV generation from 43p/kWh to 21p/kWh, was uploaded on the organisation's website this morning.
The plans, which also included a surprise move to bring forward the changes to December 8, were scheduled to be announced to Parliament on Monday.
However, this afternoon the Energy Saving Trust issued a statement saying the leaked document was made available following a "technical error".
The statement added: “We’ve been working on a draft consumer guidance document in relation to the Fast Track Review of Feed in Tariffs for Solar PV to pre-empt the Government consultation which is expected next week.
“Preparing advice on a potential announcement was the responsible thing to do as the leading consumer advice body in this area. Unfortunately, due to a technical error this document was made available for search.
“This is a work in progress document which is no longer on our web site and cannot be relied upon as the Government consultation has yet to be announced. Then and only then will we know the precise contents.
“We cannot confirm anything within our fact sheet until then.”
The leaked document revealed the UK Government plans to reduce the level of cash payments it provides for domestic solar PV panels from 43p to 21p and has brought forward the changes to December 8.
Energy ministers claim the six-week window will allow installations currently on order to be completed and qualify for the current high tariff.
The reduced rate of 21p/kWh will effect all photovoltaic installations below 4kW after December 8, although the previous tariff of 43p/kWh will be paid until March 31, 2012 – when the revised, lower rate will be introduced for the remainder of the 25-year contract.
In addition, as reported yesterday, all new domestic installations must be accompanied by an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with a level C or above from April 1.
Alternatively, properties that have completed all Green Deal measures will also qualify.
If households do not meet the energy efficiency targets they may only be eligible for an even lower tariff.
Currently, an average 2.9kW system will generate an estimated £1,190 a year under the current FiT rate of 43.3p/kWh. Following the introduction of the proposed 21p rate, the same system will generate £640, extending the payback period of an £11,500 installation from 10 to 18 years.
The Government says it is moving forward the tariff cut after the first phase of its Comprehensive Review found that, since the scheme started, the global costs of PV panels have fallen significantly.
It says this, combined with other factors, has meant that the returns available from PV are now far higher than originally intended. Originally the plan was to provide generators with a rate of return of around 5-8%. Actual returns were much higher - around 10%. The Government's plan will now mean a rate of return of 4%.
ian sedgwick, walsall around 5 months, 2 weeks ago