The UK Solar Roadmap has been published by DESNZ, detailing a strategy of solar deployment to support the government’s Clean Power Action Plan and deliver 45-47GW of solar by 2030.

The Solar Roadmap was developed through extensive industry collaboration, led by the Solar Taskforce. Key areas in it include:

An estimate of up to 0.4 per cent of total UK land would be required to deliver solar under deployment assumptions consistent with the Clean Power range.

A focus on rooftop solar with new initiatives to come for new and existing homes through the Warm Homes Plan and Future Homes and Buildings Standards, a call for evidence to assess the potential of solar canopies on outdoor carparks over a certain size, and tackling the complexity of stakeholder interactions by developing a standard form of contractual agreement for retrofit of rooftop solar on leased industrial/commercial buildings.

Connections Reform, which is streamlining the process for small-scale generation, and equity across the Transmission and Distribution networks, Ofgem’s End-to-End review, which will improve the transparency of data and timescales and a range of actions to remove barriers to combined storage and solar projects and new-build domestic installations, as well as the standardisation of service across the sector.

After concerns over manufacturing of panels, the government says it is determined to “eradicate the abhorrent practice of modern slavery and its commitment to ensuring that supply chains are free from the use of forced labour, including on members of Uyghur and other minorities in Xinjiang”. It details legislation and guidance to ensure businesses take action against modern slavery and explains the cross-government action currently taking place to understand where the government can go further.

Finally, it will also address government policy with a £46m package of investment into the planning system to support capacity and capability in local planning authorities, a review of the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, further support for floating solar and its ‘rooftop revolution’.

Commenting on the publication of the strategy, Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, said: “We welcome the government’s Solar Roadmap and were privileged to be a part of the Solar Taskforce that helped to develop it. With the focus being put on a ‘rooftop revolution’ across the UK, it’s crucial that consumers have access to qualified installers who deliver installations to industry-recognised standards, giving them confidence in home-grown energy. This supports our vision of seeing MCS certified products in every UK home.

“It’s also great to see that MCS research is driving a review of consumer protections in the renewables sector. As the industry looks to scale solar deployment significantly, it’s critical that adequate protections are in place for consumers. This is why, as part of the redeveloped MCS, we are overhauling our requirements for consumer protection. This includes proposed changes to financial protections, which was the subject of a consultation that closed in May. The response to this consultation will be released soon, collating our findings.

“Industry collaboration will continue to be a key driving force behind the delivery of the Solar Roadmap, and we look forward to continuing our work with the government, consumer bodies, and the wider solar sector as we push towards Clean Energy by 2030.”

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