Solar Taskforce meets to explore rooftop installations

A new Solar Taskforce has meet to discuss how to drive more rooftop solar installation across the country.

Schools, warehouses and carparks are set to play host to new solar panels under new plans discussed by the government's new taskforce.

The taskforce is led by by energy minister Graham Stuart and Solar Energy UK chief executive Chris Hewett.

The government has a target to to increase solar capacity by nearly fivefold to 70GW by 2035.

Currently over a million homes in the Uk have solar panels fitted to their roofs, but the taskforce has highlighted the potential of commercial buildings, schools, warehouses and car parks, as well as the possibility of floating solar.

Minister for energy security and net zero Graham Stuart said: "Households across the UK are already doing their bit to provide cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy sources with the solar panels on their roofs – but with acres of rooftop space on car parks and supermarkets in every community, we can be doing even more.

"This new dedicated Solar Taskforce will have a laser-like focus on cutting the costs and breaking down the barriers to harnessing the power of the sun in every way we can, all while using a small fraction of this country’s land.

"Doing so will make a significant contribution to boosting our energy security, cutting people’s bills and providing long-term jobs."

Chris Hewett, chief executive of Solar Energy UK and co-chair of the Taskforce, said: "Installing rooftop solar power, whether at residential or commercial scale, is one of the best investments available, offering dramatic savings on energy bills and the opportunity to be paid for sending excess power to the grid. The benefits can also be greatly enhanced by adding a battery storage system.

"Solar is the most popular form of power generation amongst the British public and consumer demand has never been higher, though the rate of rooftop installation must double to help hit 70GW by 2035. The number of solar farms will also have to increase significantly. I am delighted we now have industry leaders working directly with the government to resolve the stumbling blocks and maximise the benefits that solar energy offers to the nation."

Image by andreas160578 from Pixabay