Strengthen subsidies for rural solar power generation

What is the improving farm productivity solar grant?

The Improving Farm Productivity solar grant is designed to support the installation of solar equipment on farm roofs and reservoirs. It is part of Defra’s drive to improve energy resilience and encourage electrification in agriculture.

Are subsidies to renewables a good idea?

Subsidies to renewables have been credited with increasing innovation, lowering costs and expanding the energy mix – roles also played by early subsidies to fossil fuels, which were greater than those made to renewables at the same stage of development.

Can solar photovoltaic projects help alleviate poverty in rural areas?

Nature Communications 11, Article number: 1969 (2020) Cite this article Since 2013, China has implemented a large-scale initiative to systematically deploy solar photovoltaic (PV) projects to alleviate poverty in rural areas.

How can solar energy help reduce the 10% energy gap?

The use of locally available energy, such as solar energy, in combination with a cost-effective mechanism design, such as a solar home system-based (SHS-based) rural electrification programme, has more potential to close or minimise the 10% gap.

Will DEFRA subsidise new solar panels?

It is part of Defra’s drive to improve energy resilience and encourage electrification in agriculture. However, the focus is not simply on subsidising new solar panels, points out the NFU’s chief renewable energy and climate change adviser Dr Jonathan Scurlock.

Can I apply for a solar Grant and a farm productivity grant?

It is possible to apply for both a solar grant and a farm productivity grant, but separate applications must be submitted, and the maximum grant across both applications is £500,000. Applications should be made through the Rural Payments Agency (RPA). The IFP grant is competitive, with applications judged on how well they meet funding criteria.