With the introduction of a new manifesto focused on achieving the UK’s sustainability goals, significant changes are on the horizon. The climate crisis, recognised as the most pressing long-term challenge globally, also presents a unique opportunity for the UK to transition to clean energy. This shift not only supports economic growth and energy independence but also offers a solution to the ongoing cost of living crisis. Central to the UK’s commitment to achieving clean power by 2030 is the crucial role of solar energy.
How will Britain benefit from the proposed clean energy plan?
A key pledge in the manifesto is the establishment of “Great British Energy“, an £8.3 billion investment into a publicly owned green power company. This initiative includes incentives like the Local Power Plan, aimed at increasing independent renewable energy projects and fostering clean energy development in partnership with the Crown Estate. By focusing on cleaner energy sources, such assolar panels, the UK is set to achieve energy independence, create 650,000 new high-quality jobs, and significantly reduce energy bills—critical benefits during the current cost of living crisis.
Britain’s “rooftop revolution”
The UK is gearing up for a “rooftop revolution”— a target to triple our solar capacity by 2030 and reduce domestic energy costs. This revolution is supported by the approval of large-scale solar farms and new regulations regarding the installation of solar panels.
Currently, most renewable energy is generated in the north but needs to be transmitted to the south, where demand is highest. This often leads to congestion in transmission lines, limiting the full potential of the power supply. Consequently, the South relies on gas generators to meet its electricity needs, a costly and environmentally harmful solution.
To address this, the ban on building new onshore wind farms (thede facto ban) has been lifted, and three new solar farms—Gate Burton in Lincolnshire, Sunnica’s energy farm on the Suffolk-Cambridgeshire border and Mallard Pass on the Lincolnshire-Rutland border—have been approved. Together, these farms will contribute approximately 1.35 gigawatts of clean energy. To put this into perspective, this is almost 10% of the current capacity, says energy consultant at the Imperial College London Hamish Beath, and is enough to power around 92,000 homes over the next 60 years.
In addition to these developments, the UK is also expected to relax rules surrounding the installation of solar panels. Efforts are underway to make it easier for new homes to be equipped with solar panels and to improve access to solar technology for existing homes.
While formal planning permission is not currently required, restrictions exist on how and where solar panels can be installed. If you have any questions or concerns, get in touch with a team member at Project Solar for more support. If you do decide to install solar panels with us, we will do an initial review of your roof to assess the feasibility of installation, so there’s no need to worry about the existing restrictions. These restrictions, especially those affecting certain buildings and conservation areas, are also likely to be reconsidered. With these changes, millions of homes could soon be equipped with solar panels, enabling homeowners to generate their own clean electricity, reduce their energy bills and contribute to the combat against climate change.
Joining the revolution
Locally sourced power generation is crucial for easing the burden on theNational Grid. Through the Great British Energy initiative, partnerships with energy companies, local authorities and co-operatives will lead to the installation of thousands of clean power projects, including solar energy systems. Communities will be invited to propose projects and collaborate with local leaders to ensure that the local people can directly benefit from their clean energy.
With Project Solar’s commitment to accelerating the journey to net zero, we aim to help both homeowners and businesses alike.Enquire about your solar panelstoday and join the rooftop revolution.