Recently, the UK government released its Solar Roadmap, outlining plans to expand solar installed capacity to 45–47 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, with the potential to reach up to 57 GW. The initiative aims to enhance energy independence, reduce electricity bills, and tackle the climate crisis. Aligned with the Clean Energy Action Plan, the roadmap is expected to occupy just 0.4% of the UK’s total land area while supporting approximately 35,000 jobs and meeting the electricity needs of 9 million households.
Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband stated, “We will drive a rooftop solar revolution while addressing barriers in planning, grid access, supply chains, and skills.” The Solar Roadmap encompasses over 70 actions to advance solar deployment, categorized into six key areas: rooftop solar, power networks, supply chains and innovation, skills development, planning and support schemes, and collaboration with stakeholders.
Key measures include streamlining grid connection processes for solar projects, strengthening the resilience, diversity, and sustainability of the solar supply chain, and proposing mandatory community benefit funds for developers to ensure local communities share in the rewards of new infrastructure. The roadmap places special emphasis on rooftop installations, aiming to increase solar adoption among households, businesses, and the public sector. Specific initiatives include expanding solar deployment in new residential buildings, promoting portable plug-in solar panels for rented homes, apartment balconies, and rooftops, and encouraging solar installations on warehouses, homes, car parks, schools, and hospitals.
The government highlighted that, as part of the “rooftop revolution,” households installing rooftop solar panels could save around £500 annually on electricity bills. The initiative is supported by the Housing Standards and Warm Homes programs. Currently, the UK’s solar installed capacity exceeds 18 GW, with over 1.5 million households already having solar systems installed.
The roadmap is the final output of the Solar Taskforce, established in 2023, which is expected to transition into a Solar Council responsible for overseeing its implementation. Numerous companies and organizations have welcomed the Solar Roadmap, with firms such as Lightsource bp expressing support. Alex DeSouza, General Counsel for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Lightsource bp, commented, “The release of the Solar Roadmap comes at a critical time for the UK energy sector, particularly the solar industry. Solar power is key to the UK’s future energy mix and essential for delivering secure, low-cost electricity. Deploying more solar and battery storage systems will help maintain competitive energy costs for UK businesses, foster economic growth, and enhance corporate resilience.”
Abigail Ward, Policy Manager at the Energy Saving Trust, also noted, “Given that solar energy will be a core component of the UK’s clean energy by 2030, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, it is encouraging to see the government’s clear commitment to large-scale solar expansion through this roadmap.”
Trevor Hutchings, CEO of the Renewable Energy Association, emphasized that the government’s Solar Roadmap is a welcome and timely step, recognizing the vital role of rooftop solar in cutting electricity bills, creating jobs, and boosting UK energy security. The roadmap presents a credible pathway combining policy, finance, and industry to accelerate the integration of solar energy into the built environment.
