At a time of complete confusion in the British political scenario, the one common element across party manifesto’s is their support for green technology. With this backdrop, it was interesting reading that the German government has actually reduced solar energy feed-in-tariffs.

The subsidies for solar facilities have been cut at different levels depending on the type of installation.

It is certainly a bold move and German manufacturers will have to face strong global competition particularly from regions which still receive significant governmental support. However it is also a positive move since the benefits after a certain level must have been flowing purely as returns for financial investors. It is time for the industry to start looking for returns by improving efficiencies in operations and improved margins.