Can UK's solar industry survive without subsidies?

[3rdRock]

Have our economists, bankers and politicians learnt anything from the crash? On current performance, I doubt it!

Naivety must be a prerequisite for a career in politics these days.

[biffvernon]

http://mollymep.org.uk/2015/07/22/mep-c ... -industry/

Dr Molly Scott Cato has lambasted Energy Secretary, Amber Rudd, over comments she made comparing subsidies for solar energy with the estimated £17bn government subsidy being offered to Hinkley C nuclear power station.

During an interview on proposed cuts to subsidies for solar energy, Ms Rudd admitted subsidies to the nuclear industry would exceed those going to solar, but said nuclear energy provided “a different type of electricity”. She also said that during the winter months, “solar doesn’t really deliver much electricity.”

Molly Scott Cato said that the comments revealed that Amber Rudd has failed to understand the renewables sector and its potential, particularly for the South West. Dr Scott Cato said she would send Amber Rudd a copy of a report she recently commissioned which outlines how the region can produce more than 100% of its energy needs from renewables alone, without the need for nuclear or fossil fuels.

[emordnilap]

This Amber Rudd bozo spouts bullshit.

Oh, nearly forgot there, we're talking about a politician.

'A different type of electricity' - and she's not in UKiP (yet).

during the winter months, “solar doesn’t really deliver much electricity.”

Is that so, Captain Obvious? She probably knows that turbines don't produce electricity when the wind doesn't blow, too.

[adam2]

Both solar and wind have a part to play, but wind is arguably more suited to UK conditions since production is greatest in the winter.

Solar though a useful way of reducing gas demand and the carbon emissions thereof, contributes nothing to meeting peak demand.