On 1-2 July, the British Solar Summit 2025 will bring together leading developers, investors and policy makers to explore the evolving role of Solar in the British energy mix.
On the agenda this year, a panel, Biodiversity Net -win and solar energy: Converting policy into practicewill discuss the potential for solar PV plants to deliver biodiversity, while navigating by evolving instructions.
Prior to the event, Solar -Energy Portal Heard of Fran Button, Deputy CEO by British Solar Renewables, who plays a key role in shaping the company’s environmental strategy and participates in the panel on 1 July.
What are some chances on the current solar market of the UK?
One of the biggest opportunities at the moment is to make better use of land to deliver multiple benefits. Solar projects can do more than generate clean electricity. They can also support food production, improve soil health and create and increase vital spaces for nature. There is growing recognition that renewable energy sources and agriculture can work side by side.
By designing locations that balance energy generation with biodiversity and agriculture, we can deliver long -term value for people, the country and the planet. This type of responsible, multifunctional land use is not only good practice. It is what the future of energy should look like.
What are some of the challenges that hinder the adoption and progression of solar PV in the UK?
There are currently various important challenges. Raster access is one of the most urgent. We need faster, more efficient connections, so that clean energy can reach the people who need it. Long waiting times stop projects that are otherwise ready to deliver.
Planning is another big problem. The time scales for building permit often do not correspond to the long lead times for grid connections. That makes it difficult for developers to continue with confidence. Without better coordination between the planning system and the grid time lines, it is difficult to get projects in the planning at the right time and to provide certainty to investors and communities.
We also believe that faster planning decisions should not be at the expense of the environment. It is possible to build solar projects that support nature, agriculture and local people. That should be the standard, not the exception. British Solar Renewables is a good example of this, in which we commit our nature conservation promise in all our sites.
There is also a decoupling between regulations processes such as Neso Gate 2 and the contracts for difference (CFD) rounds, which adds further complexity. Finally, the sector is confronted with pressure around access to skilled work. The shift to Net Zero is a huge opportunity for green jobs in the United Kingdom. However, we need a stronger focus on skills and personnel planning, especially now that it is more difficult to bring in experienced employees from Europe after the Brexit.
What policy would you advise the implementation of the government to support the growing British sun sector?
Security is the most important thing that the government can now offer. The solar industry is ready to deliver, but we need faith in the long-term policy landscape to do this on a scale.
This starts with Desnz that provides clarity about whether it is planning to implement zonal prices or a reformed national market model for the wholesale market. That decision is urgently needed before the application window for CFD round AR7 is opened on 7 August.
We then need confirmation of the CFD term. Will it be 15, 20 or 25 years old? We have the timetable for AR7 and we have projects that are ready to offer in it, but we still do not know exactly what we offer. We must also understand which measures will be taken to ensure that the reform of the connection and the CFD process work together, rather than with cross purposes.
Finally, the industry needs certainty that AR8, the auction for delivery in 2029/30, will continue next year, and clarity about exactly when that will be. Without this information, developers, constructors, financiers and operators cannot draw up specific plans without taking a considerable risk. This endangers the power of the UK to achieve its CP30 goals. The solar industry is ready to deliver, but is currently stopped by legal uncertainty and long -term grid connections.
The British government is aimed by 2030 to 47 GW solar capacity – how do you see this being achieved and how can the industry work together to achieve this?
The target is feasible, but it will clearly require policy, strong coordination and the right investment in people and infrastructure. CFD rounds must be announced well in advance, with auction volumes set to display the scale of the British ambition.
If we are serious about 50 GW and further progress after 2030, by 2035 and afterwards, that ambition must be matched by policy provision. In the longer term, skills and personnel capacity need a real focus.
This includes ensuring that we have enough trained professionals in the Supply Chain core for solar energy, such as high-voltage electricians and grid specialists, especially within DNOs and Grid operators. It also means investing in the Allied sectors that make delivery possible, such as planning. The planning system needs sufficient capacity and expertise to keep pace with the growing demand for infrastructure for clean energy.
What are you most looking forward to the upcoming UK Solar Summit from Solar Media?
We look forward to making contact with others who are serious about tackling climate change and delivering a cleaner, safer energy seeker. It is a great opportunity to talk openly about the challenges with which we are all confronted and to explore what we can do more to achieve Zero. We are always interested in hearing about innovation and real experience, and we would like to share whatever we have learned.
The top is a good space to connect, learn and work together on practical solutions that help industry ahead.
Visit the agenda to view the agenda and book your tickets Event website.
