Where Does Manufacturing Factor Into UK Gov’s Solar Roadmap?
With just over 18 GW of installed solar capacity today, the UK now has its sights set on a massive leap – reaching up to 47 GW by 2030.
For manufacturers, engineers and supply chain specialists, this isn’t just an energy story – it’s an industrial one.
To support this transformation, the UK Solar Taskforce has released its Solar Roadmap, laying out how the country can realistically scale its solar ambitions.
The roadmap reveals that achieving the target would require just 0.4% of UK land for ground-mounted solar, while unlocking significant untapped potential across commercial and residential rooftops.
“Solar generation is the best example of a clean technology that can bring substantial bill savings and energy system benefits at multiple scales, from household rooftops to efficient, well-sited installations on the scale of whole power stations,” says Chris Stark, Head of the UK’s Mission for Clean Power.
“The Clean Power Action Plan seeks 45-47 GW of installed solar capacity by 2030, a once-in-a-generation increase. This will only be possible with a mission-focus, industry and government working in partnership to grow solar at pace and fundamental reforms to the queue of projects waiting to connect to the grid.”
An array of companies supported the development of this roadmap, including:
- EDF Renewables
- Lightsource bp
- Mitie
- National Grid
- Octopus Energy
- SSE Renewables
Scaling rooftop solar – and industry
More than 1.5 million UK homes already have solar panels installed, and the government wants to build on that momentum.
By removing planning permission barriers for installations over 1 MW, the hope is to speed up deployment – especially in commercial spaces like warehouses, factories and logistics centres.
“We will push ahead on a solar rooftop revolution, while tackling the barriers of planning, grid, supply chains and skills,” says Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and Co-Chair of the UK Solar Taskforce.
“Publishing this roadmap is just the beginning of our journey – and we will establish a joint Government and industry Solar Council to drive progress towards our ambitions.”
The taskforce estimates rooftop solar could save the average UK household around £500 per year.
But for manufacturers, the opportunity goes beyond savings: it’s about resilience, cost control and tapping into new growth sectors like solar component production and building-integrated photovoltaics.
Rebuilding supply chains with integrity
While the UK may not be a major player in solar panel production, there’s growing demand for domestic suppliers of solar components like inverters, mounting systems and energy storage solutions.
The roadmap acknowledges that the UK is unlikely to compete directly in the global market for conventional panels, but sees “scope to grow industries producing balance of system components”.
That ambition is also tied to ethics. The UK is taking a firm stand on ensuring that solar supply chains are free from forced labour, especially regarding polysilicon production in Xinjiang, China.
New provisions in the Great British Energy Bill will aim to exclude suppliers implicated in modern slavery or environmental violations.
Grid reform and connections backlog
As solar installations surge, the electricity grid is feeling the pressure. A queue of projects awaits connection – some delayed, some at risk of cancellation.
The roadmap promises fundamental reform to the connections process, including future capacity allocations aligned with 2030 goals.
Ofgem is conducting an end-to-end review to improve delivery times and customer service across all connection types, from industrial-scale sites to rooftop panels.
Jobs, investment and energy security
Beyond the technology development,the solar industry is expected to support 35,000 UK jobs by 2030 – double today’s numbers.
As supply chains localise and installations scale, UK manufacturing has a chance to anchor itself in the clean energy transition.
“Solar energy is among the lowest cost, and most popular forms of power generation in the UK,” says Chris Hewett, CEO of Solar Energy UK. “Unlocking its potential will increase Britain’s energy security, drive down bills as well as be a major contributor to preventing dangerous climate change.”
And from rooftop panels on factory buildings to new industrial opportunities in smart energy components, solar power is beginning to look like a shining light in the future of UK manufacturing.
