Feed-in tariffs - which reward households and businesses for energy saving initiatives which switch their power usage to renewable sources - have made a good start, according to one industry professional.

Stuart Pocock, technical director for the Renewable Energy Association, explains that different regulations apply to overhauling commercial property - meaning residential buildings have fewer hoops to jump through in order to install solar panels.

But he adds that a number of commercial energy saving schemes are also emerging from the introduction of feed-in tariffs, thanks to the level at which rates have been set.

These, he says, are tempting investors to consider fitting photovoltaic panels to create their own solar power and benefit from the payback that can be received under feed-in tariffs.

Now Mr Pocock suggests that the supportive supply chain needed for expansion of the industry must begin to be put in place in order to ensure that sustainable growth can be achieved.