Cut off for 2011/2012 FIT - anyone know

[Solmate]

Hi guys, I've got a client that has about 50 roofs to possibly get fitted with up to 10kW on each. He is concerned that he won't get them all done bfore April next year, is there any loop hole in the system that lets you say install 10% of a system and still apply for the 2011/2012 FIT ?
I've heard from one of our electricians that this may be possible as long as the complete system is finished within another 6 months .......... thus almost giving us and extra 6 months to get these 50 systems installed ................................ however, he can't remember where he heard this or read it !
Many thanks

[TedM]

There are rules that define how an extension to an existing system is handled that currently allow an extension within 12 months of the original system install to be treated as the same system.

But DECC/OFGEM are just about to change these rules so as to close this specific loophole. No details have been released as yet but I expect that a system extension would only be paid at the new rate, rather than the old one. This may not apply at the domestic scale (the loophole is more of a concern for solar farm scale projects) but you never know. Given how badly drafted the FiTs legislation has been so far, I wouldn't be prepared to gamble on it.

You can read DECCs proposals here - http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/1...es-on-fits.pdf

[Solmate]

Many thanks Ted. I've just spoken to someone in DECC and the lady confirmed that as from Oct 18th any extensions to exiting arrays will be dealt with as "new" installs and therefore FIT will be as per the install date of the "new" system.
She did however drop a bit of a bomb shell as well .............. she mentioned that the current review of the FITs could infact deem that any changes to the existing FITs be brought in prior to April 2012 !!
She didn't say this is written in stone, but did stress that it could indeed happen if the review board deemed it neccesary - that would definately ruffle a few feathers !
Thanks

[TedM]

The early change of rates, across all tariff bands, has been a possibility since DECC announced the over 50kW fast track review back in March.

[SRE]

[QUOTE=Solmate;373789]Many thanks Ted. I've just spoken to someone in DECC .............. she mentioned that the current review of the FITs could infact deem that any changes to the existing FITs be brought in prior to April 2012 !!

So theoreticaly anything booked more than a couple of months ahead isn't guaranteed to get the Fit at the current rate ?????

[Solmate]

That's what she said ! I was a little taken aback as I'd not heard that before. So many implications if they do bring it in early, cancelled installations etc. Etc.

[MorganPVI]

I hope any changes that maybe decided in Jan are not implemented before April, I'll have a lot of angry customers as we are booked solid.