UK Renewables Obligation Order 2015: Solar ROC Accreditation Guide

Key Takeaways

• The Renewables Obligation Order 2015 is Statutory Instrument S.I. 2015/1947.
• It provides statutory definitions for building mounted solar PV and ground mounted solar PV.
• Ofgem's powers for ROC issuance and revocation are detailed in Articles 18 to 25.
• The scheme closed to new generation capacity on 31 March 2017.

Understanding the UK Renewables Obligation Order 2015

The UK Renewables Obligation Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/1947) establishes the statutory framework for the Renewables Obligation (RO) scheme in England and Wales. This Order defines key terms for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations and outlines the powers of the Authority, Ofgem, regarding Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs).

We note that the Renewables Obligation (RO) closed to all new generation capacity on 31 March 2017. However, solar stations accredited before this date continue to receive ROCs for a 20-year period from their accreditation date.

Definitions for Solar PV Installations

The Order provides specific definitions for different types of solar PV installations. These definitions are crucial for understanding the scope of the regulations.

The Order states that "“building mounted solar PV” means electricity generated from the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity by equipment not installed on the ground". This distinguishes installations integrated into structures.

Conversely, "“ground mounted solar PV” means electricity generated from the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity by equipment installed on the ground". This covers standalone ground-based arrays.

Ofgem's Role in ROC Issuance and Revocation

Ofgem, referred to as "the Authority" within the Order, holds significant powers over Renewables Obligation Certificates. The Order specifies that "In Part 4, articles 18 to 25 provide for the issue of renewables obligation certificates by the Authority (“ROCs”). Article 24 provides for the revocation of RO". This means Ofgem is responsible for both granting and withdrawing these certificates.

The Order also addresses the "issue and revocation of ROCs in respect of electricity generated before this Order came into force". This ensures continuity for existing accredited generators.

Renewables Obligation Certificates and Compliance

The core of the scheme mandates that "the renewables obligation is to produce the number of UK ROCs equal to the number of renewables obligations certificates determined in accord". This sets the requirement for electricity suppliers.

Electricity suppliers must present ROCs or pay the statutory buy-out price into the buy-out fund by 1 September following each compliance period. A late payment option is available by 31 October.

Commercial rooftop and ground-mounted solar generators typically trade ROCs with licensed electricity suppliers under long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).

Historical Banding Schedules

The Order includes provisions for different banding schedules based on the commissioning date of the generation capacity. These include:

• "PART 2AMOUNT OF ELECTRICITY TO BE STATED IN ROCs ISSUED FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATED USING PRE-2013 CAPACITY".
• "PART 3AMOUNT OF ELECTRICITY TO BE STATED IN ROCs ISSUED FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATED USING 2013/14 CAPACITY, 2014/15 CAPACITY, 2015/16 CAPACITY OR POST-2016 CAPACI".
• "PART 7AMOUNT OF ELECTRICITY TO BE STATED IN ROCs ISSUED FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATED USING POST-2016 CAPACITY WHERE ARTICLE 35(6) APPLIES".

The Order also addresses "Microgenerators ROC Allocation" under "PART 4AMOUNT OF ELECTRICITY TO BE STATED IN ROCs ISSUED FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATED BY MICROGENERATORS TO WHICH ARTICLE 34 APPLIES".

We note that the Order includes provisions for "ROC Generation Station Accreditation Scope" by substituting references to earlier legislation. For example, "in the definitions of ‘accredited’, ‘commission’ and ‘commissioned’ and ‘RO capacity’, for ‘Renewables Obligation Order 2009’ substitute ‘Renewables Obliga’".