A new UK Solar Taskforce highlights the untapped potential of commercial solar sites to drive forward the UK’s net zero ambition.
Led by Energy Minister Graham Stuart and Solar Energy chief executive Chris Hewett, the Taskforce came together as part of the Powering Up Britain initiative and was issued under the updated Energy Security Plan.
At present, the UK government has a target for 70GW of solar power by 2035 which the Taskforce believes will be achieved by utilising commercial sites for solar installation, including warehouses, schools, and car parks. The typically large surface areas of these sites make them ideal locations for solar PV farms.
Alongside this, the taskforce will focus on cutting installation costs, upskilling the workforce to efficiently rollout solar, and improving grid access in aid of a solar revolution.
Chris Hewett said:
“Installing rooftop solar power, whether at residential or commercial scale, is one of the best investments available, offering dramatic savings on energy bills and the opportunity to be paid for sending excess power to the grid.”
“Solar is the most popular form of power generation amongst the British public and consumer demand has never been higher,” he adds. “The rate of rooftop installation must double to help hit 70GW by 2035. The number of solar farms will also have to increase significantly.”
Solar industry leaders are joining the discussion to ensure the UK’s ambitions are achieved. Presently, over 99 per cent of the UK’s solar capacity has been installed since May 2010, with installations occurring at a rate of over 500 a day in March 2023. Utilising commercial spaces and coordinating farmers with solar firms is a realistic means of achieving higher rates of installation.
Longer term, the Taskforce has detailed plans to:
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One of the Taskforce’s key goals centres on securing reliable, sustainable supply chains for solar panels. This could be good news for the UK’s solar industry which has experienced political, economical, and ethical issues over the years when it comes to procuring key materials used in the manufacture of solar panels. If the Taskforce can secure a resilient solar supply chain, this could bring costs down further and improve the capacity of the UK’s solar sector.
The solar sector currently employs roughly 25,000 people, excluding manufacturing and supporting roles. Most of these jobs are in the installation of solar power systems. The Solar Taskforce wants to upskill the workforce and further expand employment in the sector, which could mean a broader talent pool and scope for expansion for the UK’s solar businesses.
This could also lead to a more competitive marketplace for solar firms as they contest for tenders and both commercial and residential projects. It’s more important than ever for solar firms to ensure they have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to take on these commercial projects and stand out in a busying marketplace.
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