Powering the Future: The UK Solar Roadmap

The UK Solar Roadmap, a joint initiative between the UK Government and the solar industry, outlines an ambitious plan to significantly scale up solar deployment by 2030, targeting 45–47GW of installed capacity, with the potential to reach up to 57GW. This strategy is vital for enhancing the UK’s energy independence, reducing consumer energy bills, and addressing climate change. For Solarport and the broader solar sector, the roadmap marks a period of significant growth and opportunity.

Dave Tattershall, our Chairman and Founder, plays a key role in shaping the future of the solar industry. He sits on the Solar Energy UK steering group and co-chairs the newly formed Solar Energy UK Supply Chain Steering Group. As part of this, he has been closely involved in working with the Government on the development of the roadmap. As a UK business, Solarport is proud to have contributed to this industry-defining plan, which outlines the pathway to scaling solar deployment and strengthening the UK’s solar supply chain.

The full 72-page document is now available for you to read at your convenience here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/solar-roadmap.

However, if you're short on time, here are the key highlights from this much-anticipated announcement:

• The roadmap sets out a clear goal to triple the UK’s solar capacity by 2030, increasing it from the current 18GW. This substantial expansion offers major opportunities for solar suppliers and installers alike.

• Rooftop Solar Revolution: A major focus is on unleashing a “rooftop revolution” across domestic, commercial, and public-sector buildings. This involves initiatives for both new and existing properties, such as the Warm Homes Plan and the Future Homes and Buildings Standards, along with exploring the use of solar canopies over car parks. Following the implementation of a new permitted development right to allow for the installation of solar canopies in nondomestic off-street carparks in England, it is now easier and quicker to deploy this technology.

  
  

• Electricity Network Reforms: Large-scale solar projects have faced delays due to slow grid connection processes. To meet 2030 targets, faster connections are essential. The sector is shifting towards transmission network connections, requiring updated systems. From June 2025, following Ofgem’s CMP434 approval, DNOs must submit projects within defined Gate Two windows, improving transparency and timelines.

  
  

• Supply Chain and Innovation: Work is ongoing to build resilient, diverse, and sustainable solar supply chains. The government is committed to eliminating modern slavery and supporting the development of standards for next-generation solar panels and new technologies. An online directory of solar manufacturing businesses will also be established.

  
  

• Skills Development: The fast-growing solar industry is projected to generate approximately 35,000 jobs by 2030, double the current number. The roadmap outlines steps to collaborate with government skills bodies to identify effective models for delivering solar training at both regional and local levels. It also includes plans to map existing solar training programs across the UK, encompassing both government- and industry-funded initiatives.

  
  

• Planning and Support Schemes: Reforms to the planning system will facilitate an acceleration in the deployment of solar projects, including raising the threshold for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) from 50MW to 100MW to streamline the consenting process. Additionally, a £46 million investment will enhance the planning system’s capability and capacity.

  
  

• Collaboration and Community Benefits: The roadmap highlights the importance of strong collaboration among organisations, industries, and communities. The government is proposing mandatory community benefit funds for low-carbon infrastructure projects, while the industry will support this by promoting best practice guidance for effective community engagement.

  
  

The UK Solar Roadmap sets a clear and ambitious vision for the future of solar energy in the country, aiming to transform the sector by 2030 through substantial capacity growth, innovative technologies, and strengthened supply chains. This roadmap not only paves the way for greater energy independence and environmental sustainability but also promises significant economic and social benefits, including job creation and community involvement.

With active involvement from key players like us at Solarport, the UK is in a strong position to drive the 'solar revolution', contributing to national priorities around energy security, decarbonisation, and sustainable economic growth.