Solar power could provide the same amount of electricity as the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station for half the subsidy cost, according to analysis by the Solar Trade Association.
A combination of solar, storage and other flexibility mechanisms would cost consumers roughly 50% less than Hinkley Point C over the 35 year lifetime of the nuclear subsidy.
STA head of policy Mike Landy said: “We hope this analysis makes people stop and think about how inexpensive solar has become and how competitive it is against other forms of low-carbon generation.
“We are not saying that solar is the solution to all our energy problems, nor that it could completely replace other technologies.
“However, the government needs to explain why it is drastically cutting support for solar energy whilst offering double the subsidy to Hinkley Point C.
“It also needs to explain why it is championing overseas state-backed utilities over British solar companies which given stable support would have considerable growth prospects.”
The analysis can be found here.
Image: Hinkley C nuclear plant (Richard Baker and Wikimedia Commons)
