Solar Taskforce establishes four sub-groups to accelerate solar roll-out

The Solar Taskforce, who met for the first time in May, have established four sub-groups to work on specific areas critical to the growth of solar power in the UK.

The formation of the taskforce was announced in Government’s ‘Powering Up Britain’ report in March, with the purpose of driving the country towards their target of a 70GW solar capacity by 2035.

The four sub-groups are: Electricity Networks, Skills, Rooftop and Supply Chain.

The Electricity Networks sub-group is chaired by Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive of the Energy Networks Association. The group will focus on reducing the barriers to grid connection across all solar installations, from domestic to industrial.

‘Its priorities will be to reduce grid connection waiting times, improve connections management for battery storage systems and expand the network. The group also aims to improve the management of smaller-scale rooftop installations.’

The Skills sub-group is led by Mark Wakeford, Chairman of EvoEnergy and will focus on ensuring that a properly-trained workforce is in place for the rapid acceleration of solar installation that will be needed to meet the government’s target. 

‘Key aims are to maintain and improve the quality of installations as the sector scales up, improving diversity and ensuring that young people, those changing careers and those returning to the jobs market are aware of employment and training opportunities in solar energy and the skills needed for it.’

Rooftop, is co-chaired by Tim Warham, Senior Policy Adviser at the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero and Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK. This sub-group will address impediments to solar installation on all scales, whether the impediment is regulatory, cost or a lack of public awareness.

Chaired by Liz McFarlane, director of Segen, Supply Chain will ensure resilient supply chains for deploying both rooftop and ground-mounted solar.

‘This means mapping the existing domestic supply chain, exploring the potential for international collaboration to strengthen the UK industry, increasing the attractiveness of the UK market for investment and identifying export opportunities.’

All four sub-groups will bring in senior civil servants from relevant government departments, alongside a range of external expert advisors, to attend discussions as required.