PEMBROKESHIRE’S solar power businesses are working around the clock to try to beat a Government deadline which slashes energy payments.

Only systems completely installed and registered by December 12th will be eligible for the current feed-in tariff rates of 43p – which are to be slashed to 21p.

Under the original scheme the higher prices were due to continue until April 2012.

Michele Bromley, owner of Be Green (Wales) solar PV panels and renewable heating installers based in Wiston, said since the change of deadline had been announced her team had been working flat out to try and complete orders.

“What we have had to do is try to fit three months’ work into the weeks before the deadline and have been working seven days a week to meet the demand,” she added.

Changes to the scheme were first announced in September, with the latest deadline given at the beginning of this month.

After December 12th energy performance standards will also have to be met before feed-in tariffs are approved.

The company would usually install around three to four systems a week. Now the team is installing one a day, at least six a week, thanks to a dedicated workforce.

“Our suppliers have been really good so we have managed to keep going, even though stocks have become low.

“Moving forward, the tariff will still be worth you doing, it’s just not going to be as lucrative as it is at the moment,” added Mrs Bromley.

Mrs Bromley said that those installing now would expect to make back their expenditure in six years.

That rises to ten years for installations after December 12th but as installation prices reduce it could drop to eight years.

“There are a lot of disappointed people who have received quotes and we have had to say we can’t do it before the deadline.

“It’s been a logistical nightmare for the industry,”

she added.

However, Mrs Bromley has found that people are still looking to install solar panels and, despite expecting an initial dip, is sure that the industry will pick up and continue to thrive.

Matthew Hawkins of Pembsolar, which currently contracts installation out, was less optimistic and felt that he was gaining his accreditation to install just as business began to drop off.

“Between now and December 12th we will be working all hours, in rain or shine, just to get our orders done,” he added.