Renewables Obligation: Closure of the scheme to small-scale solar PV

Guidance
Publication date
Scheme name
RO

This guidance document is for operators of solar photovoltaic (PV) generating stations in England, Wales and Scotland affected by the closure of the Renewables Obligation (RO) scheme to small-scale solar PV on 1 April 2016. This closure is brought into effect by the RO Closure Etc. (Amendment) Order 2016.

The closure applies to new generating stations with a total installed capacity (TIC) less than or equal to 5MW and any additional capacity added to existing stations whose new TIC does not exceed 5MW. Operators of small-scale generating stations that meet certain criteria may be eligible for one of the three grace periods that are available, meaning that they can apply for accreditation for 12 months after the closure date, ie from 1 April 2016 until 31 March 2017.

This document was updated on 13 March 2017 to reflect additional guidance published in Guidance for Generators on excluded capacity.

The RO closed to large-scale solar PV stations greater than 5MW on 1 April 2015.