Changes to Government policy on renewable power have shrouded the solar industry in a fog of uncertainty, say experts.

The Government announced last year that it planned to cut the Feed-in Tariff - the amount paid to those who generate their own renewable power and sell the excess to the National Grid - from 43.3p per kilowatt hour to 21p.

A High Court decision in December ruled the planned cut was unlawful, but the Government is hoping to appeal against that decision today, leaving green energy businesses and customers uncertain about their future.

Maidstone-based solar panel fitters, The Green Home Company (TGHC), warned that rogue operators would seek to exploit that uncertainty and that consumers should only appoint firms that are members of the REA Assurance Scheme and certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.

Alan Proto, managing director of TGHC, said: "We believe that solar energy has an important part to play in the future of the UK’s energy mix and while cuts to the subsidy is necessary, there is no question that the Government’s handling of the feed in tariff cut has cloaked the industry in confusion. We strongly advise people to heed the warnings issued by Consumer Focus last month and ensure they appoint reputable companies with a strong track record."