Octopus Investments has launched a twin-structured venture capital trust (VCT) that will invest mainly in the solar industry.

Octopus VCT 3&4 will focus on capital preservation and liquidity upon exit, according to the firm.

By investing in companies in the solar sector, investors will have access to revenue streams underpinned by the government’s Clean Energy Cashback Scheme, which pays a subsidy or Feed-in-Tariff (FIT), for clean energy produced.

The company said its new VCT aims to generate an annual dividend stream of at least five pence per annum, beginning in 2013.

It also intends to operate a zero discount buyback policy throughout the life of the VCTs, which will provide liquidity for investors wanting to exit after the five-year holding period required to retain the upfront income tax relief.

The targeted return at the five-year period is 110 pence.

Octopus managing director, Paul Latham, said, ‘The key benefit of this structure is that it is a ‘limited life’ VCT but also a ‘flexible life’ vehicle for those looking for more long-term tax-free dividends.’

He added, ‘Solar represents a unique investment opportunity, but one that is limited to the remainder of this tax year.

‘By April 2012, solar companies will no longer be classed as qualifying investments into VCTs and Enterprise Investment Schemes, which means those investors who wish to take advantage of the predictable revenue streams offered by solar and the tax-friendly incentives, should be talking to their financial adviser about their options now.’