THE company behind many of Swindon’s solar projects has expressed its concern at the government’s latest announcement on solar subsidies.

Public Power Solutions, which is owned entirely by Swindon Borough Council, has said the proposals will undoubtedly have a big impact on the solar industry but is confident it can come through.

On Wednesday, the government said subsidies for households installing solar panels would be cut by 65 per cent, a move which is thought could halve the number of jobs in the industry.

As part of its core business, PPS is setting up a number of community-led projects whereby residents can invest in solar projects, something which has not been given dedicated support in government announcement.

James Owen, Commercial Director at PPS, said: “While the cuts proposed are not as severe as the government first proposed, the announcement is nevertheless bound to result in significant job losses and consolidation in the UK’s solar industry as well as through the supply chain, which is very disappointing.

“At PPS we have extensive experience of working with community groups and know there is a strong appetite from ordinary people wanting to invest in local solar schemes, so we are particularly concerned that there is no dedicated support for community solar or social housing. These offer widespread benefits above and beyond the generation of renewable electricity.

“This year has been a very challenging time for the UK’s renewable energy industry. But, as a solar developer focusing uniquely on the public sector, PPS remains confident that we can weather the storm and look forward to being able to deliver utility-scale solar projects without subsidy in 2016 and beyond.”

The government say the move is being done to cut people’s energy bills, as it is consumers which cover the subsidies.

There has been strong criticism of the government for making the decision so close to the Paris Agreement, which saw world leaders agree to cut carbon emissions but energy minister Amber Rudd says support for the industry still exists.

She said: “My priority is to ensure energy bills for hardworking families and businesses are kept as low as possible whilst ensuring there is a sensible level of support for low carbon technologies that represent value for money,” she said.

“We have to get the balance right and I am clear that subsidies should be temporary, not part of a permanent business model. When the cost of technologies come down, so should the consumer-funded support.”