“The new Prime Minister has the opportunity to make Britain the best place in Europe to invest in solar and battery storage” said Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK. “Our industry stands ready to invest billions, create high-quality jobs in every part of the UK, strengthen our energy security and help bring down electricity bills. We urge the new government to build on the progress already made and give businesses the certainty they need to keep investing in Britain's clean energy future.”
The solar industry estimates that around 26 gigawatts of solar generation capacity is currently in place across the UK, with multiple gigawatts being installed every year.
More than 1.7 million UK homes already have solar panels fitted, part of over 2m smaller-scale installations.
Solar and battery storage currently support around 20,000 UK jobs.
The sector contributes almost £1.9 billion to the economy annually (measured as gross value added).
By 2035, the sector could support around 43,000 jobs and contribute over £5 billion GVA.
Utility-scale solar provided around £61 million of additional farm income in 2024.
84 percent of the public support solar energy according to Government polling.
77 percent of the public support local solar farm development (SEUK polling).
“The UK has built one of the world's most exciting solar and battery markets because successive governments have recognised that clean energy is not just an environmental ambition but an economic opportunity” added Mr Hewett. “As Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister, we look forward to working with him and his government to build on that success. The solar and battery sector is ready to invest billions of pounds, create tens of thousands more skilled jobs, strengthen Britain's energy security and help deliver lower electricity bills for homes and businesses. With the right policy framework, this industry can become one of the defining success stories of the UK's growth agenda. Our message to the new Prime Minister is simple: back British solar and battery storage, remove the remaining barriers to investment and together we can deliver economic growth, energy independence and clean power for the whole country.”
Solar Energy UK’s External Affairs Director Dan Meredith has also outlined in a blog what the solar and battery energy storage sectors need from the new Government:
Urgent reform to the grid connection process and fixing “the broken connection process for co-located solar and battery projects”.
Improving consumer confidence and protection.
Ensuring new homes – especially council houses – have “meaningful, maximised solar arrays paired with battery storage”.
Maintaining a stable energy policy to give businesses the confidence to invest in UK supply chains and grow the economy.
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