The Solar Strategy, is the first of its kind in the UK and sets out the Governments ambition to see solar rolled out more widely and with it the potential to support tens of thousands of jobs. The strategy was launched at SunSolar Energy in Birmingham by Energy Minister Greg Barker.
However, Mr Barker also made clear that the government is seeking to move the emphasis away from large-scale solar farms towards opening up the solar market for the UK’s estimated 250,000 hectares of south facing commercial rooftops. He described the move as a “step change” in the government’s ambition for both businesses and domestic customers.
“We have put ourselves among the world leaders on solar and this ambitious Strategy will place us right at the cutting edge” said Mr Barker. “There is massive potential to turn our large buildings into power stations and we must seize the opportunity this offers to boost our economy as part of our long term economic plan. Solar not only benefits the environment, it will see British job creation and deliver the clean and reliable energy supplies that the country needs at the lowest possible cost to consumers.”
Mr Barker has worked closely with the Rt. Hon. Francis Maude MP from the Cabinet Office, and his team, who are leading an element of the strategy focused on implementation across the government estate, thereby allowing the government itself to lead by example. The Department for Education is also working on ways to improve energy efficiency across 22,000 schools in England aimed at reducing their annual energy spend of £500 million. This will also encourage the deployment of PV on schools alongside energy efficiency initiatives.
“Solar panels are a sensible choice for schools, particularly in terms of the financial benefits they can bring” said Education Secretary Michael Gove. “It is also a great way for pupils to engage with environmental issues and think about where energy comes from.”
Over half a million buildings in the UK already use solar. With the cost of the technology falling rapidly, it is becoming more attractive for households, communities and businesses to invest. The government’s new strategy follows the “Roadmap to a Brighter Future” published in October 2013. This is intended to showcase how the UK is at the forefront of innovation in solar PV and its importance in driving further cost reduction, meeting the challenges of balancing the electricity system, securing carbon lifecycle benefits, and identifying new financial models to help households invest.
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