New British subsidy inspires Taiwanese Solar Panel Makers
In light of the British government's plan to offer solar power subsidy beginning April this year, Taiwan's solar-product manufacturers are vying to tap the market in collaboration with strategic partners.
Motech Industrial Inc. and E-Ton Solar Tech Co., Ltd. are partnering with BP Solar International Inc., a photovoltaic venture of oil giant BP Group, to make inroad into the British solar-energy market. Motech is even working with silicon foundry powerhouse Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) to tap the British market. TSMC has acquired a 20% stake in Motech as part of its plan to branch out into photovoltaic industry.
Taiwan's solar-panel makers say that the British government recently revised policies to make subsidies available nationwide instead of only to counties.
The new policy offers subsidy specifically to households outfitted with five-megawatt solar-power system or smaller, giving each home 900 pounds the first year after installation that is estimated to save 140 pounds in power bills.
The new measure is expected to boost British market of solar products and elevate solar power's proportion to power generation in England to 30% from the current 5.5%.
Taiwan's industry watchers believe the new policy would drive BP Solar to increase outsourcing to Asia, with Motech and E-Ton having landed contracts.
