The proposal would be implemented on the 1 August, reducing payments to farmers or owners of large commercial buildings.

The industry has reacted with anger to the proposal.

And investors have warned that cutting the scheme just a year after it was created will deter further investment in renewable energy.

“The whole investor market was totally disengaged as a result of the feed in tariff being ripped up,” said Ben Warren, partner with Ernst and Young, a consultancy.

‘Absolute disaster’ According to the government’s proposal, which is subject to consultation, payments for any solar installation over about 50kW would be reduced.

The full reduction would apply to installations from 250kw to 5MW – the standard size for a farm based scheme.

“It’s an absolute disaster,” said Ray Noble, solar specialist at the Renewable Energy Association.

“No new projects will start after this comes into effect

The tariff had not been due to be reviewed until 2013.

The new scheme is designed to preserve funds, which come from consumer bills, for schemes on domestic roofs.

These tend to be more expensive and generally need greater subsidies.

YET MORE BROKEN PROMISES AND ECONOMIC ILLITERACY FROM THE CON-DEMs