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The UK’s Solar Roadmap: What It Means for Installers, Developers & the Industry


Published: July 2025


Big news for the UK solar sector: the government just unveiled a bold new plan to supercharge solar energy.

On 30 June 2025, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero released the UK Solar Roadmap, a strategy to boost the country’s solar capacity to 70 gigawatts (GW) by 2035. That’s more than triple what we have today.

But what does that mean for people in the industry, like installers, developers, and manufacturers? Here's a breakdown of what’s in the roadmap and why it matters.


What’s in the Plan?


Here are the key things you need to know:

1. A Big Target: 70 GW by 2035

The UK aims to install around 5–6 GW of solar energy each year, starting from 2026.

That’s a lot of new projects—on rooftops, in fields, and on industrial sites.


2. More Support for UK Manufacturing

The government wants to build up solar manufacturing here at home, rather than importing everything.

They’re putting £200 million into innovation and looking at ways to help UK firms make panels, batteries, and other solar equipment.


3. Easier Planning and Faster Approvals

Expect simpler rules for installing solar, both on rooftops and ground-mounted systems.

Planning permission could get quicker and easier, especially for farms, warehouses, and lower-grade agricultural land.


4. A Bigger, Better Workforce

To hit these targets, we’ll need 60,000+ new jobs in solar over the next decade.

The roadmap promises more funding for training, apprenticeships, and upskilling across the country.


What This Means for Installers & EPCs

If you're an installer or EPC, this roadmap is great news.

Here’s why:

  • More projects = steady demand and longer pipelines
  • Bigger rooftops and more commercial jobs on the horizon
  • Clearer rules and easier planning will make projects smoother
  • Opportunities to add storage, EV chargers, and smart energy controls to your offering

What to watch:

  • Changes to planning rules later this year
  • Potential updates to the MCS scheme
  • Local grid connection reforms are being reviewed

What About UK Solar Manufacturing?


This could be a real turning point.

The upside:

  • More funding for innovation
  • Stronger political backing for “made in Britain” clean tech
  • Opportunities for UK-made modules, inverters, and full systems

The challenge:

  • UK firms will still face tough competition from cheap imports
  • We’ll need serious support (like tariffs or subsidies) to build a competitive local industry

What’s Still Unclear?

While the roadmap is promising, there are still some big questions:

  • Will solar get more tailored support in CfD auctions?
  • How will the government speed up grid connections?
  • Can planning reform really move fast enough?

Final Thoughts

This roadmap is the strongest signal yet that solar is key to the UK’s clean energy future.

It opens the door for more projects, better planning, stronger local supply chains, and a booming job market. But success depends on how fast the government moves—and how ready the industry is to scale.

If you're in solar, now’s the time to get ahead.

Because this isn’t just a climate strategy—it’s a massive business opportunity.

 

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