UK government unveils solar roadmap, outlines steps to 47 GW by 2030
The UK government has published its plan to support solar deployment to 2030 and beyond. Policies include updating the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, a safety review of plug-in solar for balconies and rooftops, consulting on car park solar, and engaging with industry on skills and training.
UK small-scale solar costs tumble as competition heats up for installers
Figures for 2024-25 financial year reveal double-digit percentage drop in median price for UK small-scale solar. Falling prices were driven by increased supply and technology advancements, according to DESNZ, while installer warns new rooftop opportunities could come with tighter margins.
UK government mandates solar panels for new homes in England
Future Homes Standard to include solar panel mandate for new homes, UK government confirms. New building regulations are expected to make PV a requirement for almost all homes, with only “rare exceptions” where impact would be negligible, according to UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.
Heat pumps in Germany nearly twice as expensive as in UK
RWTH Aachen University conducted the price comparison in cooperation with Octopus Energy. The reasons are significantly different technical and regulatory requirements, but also the funding system.
‘They know the land’ farmer input and crop research key to UK agrivoltaics progress
University of Sheffield research finds agrivoltaics could be key to addressing land-use conflicts in England. Paper authors tell pv magazine a better understanding of how top UK crops perform alongside PV installations is needed, and farmer input is crucial.
UK closes in on 18 GW following solar deployment data update
Revised data brings annual PV additions to 1.3 GW for 2024, putting 18 GW of total deployed capacity within touching distance. However, a significant increase in deployment speed is essential to hit UK government clean energy targets for 2030.
UK adds 1.2 GW of solar in 2024
Provisional figures from UK government record 1.2 GW of capacity additions during calendar year, bringing total capacity to 17.6 GW in official figures. Acceleration in deployment needed to hit UK government’s 2030 clean generation target.
Sunswap expands production of PV-driven transport refrigeration units
Sunswap brings manufacturing in-house at headquarters in Leatherhead, near London, following a successful fundraising round. Offering solar and battery-powered refrigeration for transport, the UK business has international ambitions.
Public opinion matters to the success of solar planning
New research from the UK finds institutional actors have greatest influence over planning consent, however, public support also has a statistically significant impact. Improved public engagement from developers could bolster solar planning applications in England.
Low Carbon secures 10-year PPA in Canada
Power purchase agreement for 10 GWh per year signed for UK developer’s first solar project in Canada. Low Carbon’s 9 MW Lethbridge 1 providing electricity to Deep Sky Alpha site in Alberta.
