Financial incentives for people generating electricity with photovoltaic solar panels (PV) are provided though the system of renewable obligations certificates, (commonly referred to as ROCs).

All electricity providers have to buy these certificates each year, in proportion to the amount of electricity they sell. This started at 3 per cent in 2003 and the intention is to increase it to 15.4 per cent by 2015. They can either generate their own renewable energy or buy certificates from other generators. If they fail to secure enough each year they must pay a fine.