IN April 2010, the Government introduced feed-in tariffs (FiTs) – payments to households and companies that generated their own energy – to encourage the installation of renewable energy technology.

So far, they have proved to be a significant driver of investment in green energy generation.

However, the scheme has been a victim of its own success. Despite announcing that the tariff would remain unchanged until April 2012, the Government has decided to cut it from December 12 this year, reporting the costs have become too high and only installations completed by that date would get the full payments they were promised.

Householders, in the process of having solar panels put on their roof, have six weeks to complete the job or face seeing the predicted income they generate slashed.

I agree the FiT level was too high, where else can you earn 10% or more return on investment?However, hundreds of householders, who signed contracts to have panels fitted, have pulled out and others are expected to follow. The renewables industry had asked for a delay in the slash in FiT levels in order to prepare for the reduced rates and guard against a loss of confidence in the renewables market. This week the Government all but ruled out any delay, replying only that they are in consultation until the end of December and that they cannot legally change the proposals before then.

Greg Barker, Climate Change Minister stated his main priority is to help the solar industry remain: “a successful and prosperous part of the green economy, so that it doesn’t fall victim to boom and bust.” In my opinion it is already too late as the immediate recall of FiT levels has turned mini-boom into immediate bust!

So where do we go from here? Return to start?

Do not pass go, do not collect £200? It may be a game to Government, but it is life to at least 25,000 people who have, or are just about to lose their jobs.

Phil Young, managing director of EnviroEnergy Systems Limited