The Energy Secretary has outlined new measures to go “further and faster” including ‘plug-and-go’ low-cost solar panels sold via supermarkets and bringing forward the Government’s next annual renewables auction (AR8) to July.

The panels, that have been available for some time in other countries, for balconies or outdoor space, will be made available in the UK for the first time. Germany had around half a million such devices plugged in last year alone. The Government has said it will work with the relevant bodies, consumer groups and industry to introduce new standards and amend regulations to put these on the market as soon as possible.

On advantage is that being mains ‘pluggable’, tenants can purchase the units and move them as they move properties.

At a larger scale, the lessons of the Fingleton Review to allow the speeding up of building of nuclear power stations, will be used to review other infrastructure such as renewables.

Commenting on the Government’s announcement that it intends to open the next auction for new clean energy projects, AR8, in July 2026, RenewableUK chief executive Tara Singh said: “There could be as many as 18 offshore wind farms potentially competing for contracts, alongside new onshore wind and solar sites. A high level of competition between projects is exactly what delivers the best value for billpayers. To secure it, developers need clear and decisive action on grid connection dates, charges and delivery timelines, so that projects can bid with confidence.”

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