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Buy now, pay later interest freeIn collaboration with the industry, the UK government has published the UK Solar Roadmap. With plans to seize on the varied opportunities available and further boost UK energy independence, this is an exciting time for solar.
By outlining a strategy, the UK Government, along with Solar Energy UK and the UK Solar Taskforce/Council, plan to significantly increase solar energy capacity by 2030 as part of the broader Clean Power 2030 Action Plan.
Here at City Plumbing, our Renewables team takes a quick look at some of the key aspects of the roadmap, to help both new and existing solar installers.
What is the Government’s Goal For Solar?
The primary goal of the UK solar roadmap is to nearly treble solar energy capacity from the current 18 GW to 45-47 GW by 2030. Alongside such targets, there's also the potential to reach up to 54-57 GW if system conditions allow.
What Are The Key Focus Areas Of The UK’s Solar Roadmap?
This solar roadmap outlines a comprehensive strategy and clear plan of action for rooftop solar, electricity networks, supply chain and innovation, skills, and planning.
Rooftop Solar: A central component, the roadmap aims to boost both domestic and commercial rooftop installations. This includes addressing a lack of awareness regarding benefits like improved Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) scores and property valuations. The Future Homes Standard will ensure solar panels on most new homes.
Electricity Networks: The plan addresses delays in grid connections for large-scale solar projects. Reforms are being considered to streamline the connection process, with Ofgem reviewing regulatory arrangements for independent distribution network operators (iDNOs) and the government exploring reforms to planning requirements for distribution power lines.
Supply Chain and Innovation: While China dominates solar panel manufacturing, the UK aims to capitalise on opportunities in balance system components, batteries, and other innovative technologies. The government will consider supporting companies scaling up production and working with the industry to create an online directory for solar manufacturing businesses.
Skills: The roadmap emphasises building a skilled workforce to meet deployment targets, projecting up to 35,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2030. Actions include improving training provision and making solar careers more attractive.
Planning: Reforms to planning processes are integral, including considering changes to planning requirements for overhead distribution power lines and exploring support for floating solar projects. The roadmap also encourages dual-use approaches for land, such as agrivoltaics, and stresses that solar will occupy less than 0.5% of UK land.
What Benefits Can The UK Expect To See From The Solar Roadmap?
Under this roadmap, there are a range of benefits the UK can expect to see, including:
- Enhanced energy security by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
- Increased economic growth driven through job creation and industrial development.
- Significant household savings provided, potentially cutting annual energy bills by £500 or more per home with rooftop solar.
- Substantial contribution to the UK's Net Zero by decarbonising the power sector by 2035.
Make The Switch To Solar With City Plumbing
The Solar Roadmap is seen as a once-in-a-generation opportunity that requires a collaborative effort between government and industry to overcome challenges in planning, grid infrastructure, innovation, and supply chains.
Speak to the Renewables Team at City Plumbing today. We're ready to help you make the switch. Offering expert guidance to both installers and homeowners, we provide a vast selection of renewable energy solutions, all at some of the most competitive prices on the market.
Find out more detailed information in the official government publication from the UK Solar Roadmap.
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