Solar power generation system outfitters urged the government Tuesday to speed up the purchasing of solar power generated by private firms to help the sector survive. Under the Renewable Energy Development Act, the government is allowed to purchase solar power or other renewable electricity generated by the private sector to encourage private enterprises to engage in the green energy business. Life Lai, head of the Solar Power Generation System Association of the Republic of China, said that the application procedure to seek government purchases of solar power is very complicated, making it difficult for applicants to enjoy the benefits of the incentives. The association comprises companies that design solar energy systems for businesses and government offices. 'It is stunning that since the law was enacted in July 2009, none of the six applications that were filed to seek government purchases have been approved,' Lai said. 'Before the government purchases the power, the firms that bought the generation equipment from us will not pay,' he said. Lai said the sticking point is that state-owned Taiwan Power Co., which acts as the only renewable power buyer on behalf of the government, has erected procedural barriers that make the approval impossible. Lai said an applicant needs to complete an application of about 250 pages before a long reviewing process by five groups inside Taipower. The government should remove the barriers to allow easier purchases, or the firms that manufacture and sell solar power generation equipment will not be able to survive, he said. The number of local solar power generation equipment makers has fallen to about 36 from a peak of more than 200 before a global financial meltdown hurt the local economy in 2008. 'The difficulties in landing government purchases of power have made the situation worse, ' Lai said. 'Without any improvement in the application process, the number will continue to fall.' 