Unlocking The Power of Solar Energy

By Veronica Magoja – Head of Marketing & Communications at Solar Energy UK .

Last week, the UK government announced groundbreaking changes to planning rules that will supercharge the rollout of rooftop solar panels for homes and businesses. Under the new permitted development rights, property owners can now sidestep the planning system's delays that typically stretch over eight weeks and incur extra costs.?

Housing and Planning Minister Lee Rowley MP emphasised?the move's importance in aligning homes with net-zero goals and Energy Security Minister Graham Stuart MP highlighted streamlined processes for businesses, removing the 1MW restriction and supporting the 70GW solar power target by 2035.?

This significant shift allows flat-roofed homes to join businesses in installing panels without the need for planning permission, reflecting a broader government effort to simplify the planning system. The changes also encourage solar panel installations in canopies above car parks, promoting the use of already developed land.?

All these groundbreaking adjustments not only support the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act's vision but also echo the British Energy Security Strategy's commitment to combat climate change and achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. ?

This welcome news, addresses key hurdles in the current system, marking not only a significant triumph to Solar Energy UK’s persistent advocacy and lobbying efforts for streamlined solar integration but for the broader renewables energy sector.?

In Other News?

?? ???? Apprenticeships key to unlocking Gen Z’s green potential. The study, commissioned by the MCS Foundation, highlights the need for 60,000 solar panel installation workers and 50,000 heat pump engineers by the mid-2030s.?

?? ?? Adopting low-carbon technologies like heat pumps and solar PV for homes is crucial for net-zero goals, emphasising simplicity and supporting installers with incentives and skills development.?

?? ?? Installers can help the nation deliver Net Zero goals – but a recent survey reveals they need help to get there. Statistics from Solar Energy UK member City Plumbing show they are open to advice, want training, industry mentoring, business planning and financial advice.

?? ?? The solar industry is fully committed to accelerating the transition to clean, green energy and will be instrumental in reducing carbon emissions and reaching the UK’s net zero and climate targets.??

?? ?? Wales is currently the nation with the highest installation rate in the UK, with 8.12% of households turning to home-grown energy. With 21.03% of households with installations, Ceredigion is the top performing area.?