One sentence summary – The UK’s solar photovoltaic (PV) sector has seen substantial growth, reaching a cumulative capacity of 15,292.8 MW as of July 2023, with the addition of 634.8 MW of new PV systems from January to July, a significant increase compared to the previous year, and the government aims to achieve a target of 70 GW solar deployment by 2035, although challenges such as grid connection, investment, and skilled labor force development need to be addressed.
At a glance
- The UK’s solar PV sector has a cumulative capacity of 15,292.8 MW as of July 2023.
- From January to July, the UK added 634.8 MW of new PV systems.
- In July alone, approximately 71.3 MW of new additions were recorded.
- The UK government aims to achieve 70 GW solar deployment by 2035.
- Challenges such as grid connection, investment, and skilled labor force development need to be addressed.
The details
The UK’s solar photovoltaic (PV) sector has demonstrated substantial growth, with a cumulative capacity of 15,292.8 MW as of July 2023.
From January to July, the UK added 634.8 MW of new PV systems.
This is a significant increase compared to the 315.5 MW added during the same period in the previous year.
In July alone, approximately 71.3 MW of new additions were recorded.
These figures are expected to be revised upwards as more data becomes available.
It should be noted that government figures often lag behind in terms of utility-scale PV operations.
Currently, there is no reliable data available to quantify the output of commercial industry rooftop solar.
However, anecdotal feedback suggests that both commercial rooftop solar and residential small-scale systems are experiencing market growth.
The UK government has set a target of 70 GW solar deployment by 2035.
Industry experts believe that this goal is achievable.
However, the sector faces several challenges.
Grid connection and investment are significant obstacles.
There is also a need to develop a skilled labor force.
Efforts are being made to increase the reliability of the supply chain.
Building internal capabilities is another focus area.
Addressing niche challenges such as rooftop solar for rented properties is also on the agenda.
Battery installations are becoming more common in conjunction with home solar sales.
At least 50% of all solar installations now include a battery.
There is untapped potential for rooftop solar in various commercial buildings.
Schools, warehouses, car parks, and water bodies are among the potential sites for rooftop solar.
Notable utility-scale solar PV projects in the UK include the Cleve Hill Solar Park and the Botley West Solar Farm.
In conclusion, the UK’s solar PV sector has experienced significant growth, with a cumulative capacity of 15,292.8 MW.
The government aims to achieve 70 GW solar deployment by 2035.
Industry experts believe this target is attainable.
However, challenges such as grid connection, investment, and skilled labor force development need to be addressed.
The inclusion of batteries in solar installations is becoming more prevalent.
There is untapped potential for rooftop solar in various commercial settings.
Notable utility-scale solar PV projects include the Cleve Hill Solar Park and the Botley West Solar Farm.
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| pv-magazine.com |
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| – The UK’s solar PV cumulative capacity for July 2023 was 15,292.8 MW. – From January to July, the country added 634.8 MW of new PV systems, compared to 315.5 MW in the same period the previous year. – |
| In July alone, around 71.3 MW of new additions were recorded, with the figures expected to be revised upward as more data is received. – |
| The government figures tend to lag on utility-scale PV operations, and there is no reliable data to quantify commercial industry rooftop output. |
| – Anecdotal feedback suggests that commercial rooftop solar and residential small-scale systems are experiencing market growth. – |
| The government has set a target of 70 GW solar deployment by 2035, and industry experts believe this is achievable. – |
| The biggest challenges facing the UK’s solar PV sector are grid connection and investment, as well as developing a skilled labor force. |
| – Other issues include increasing the reliability of the supply chain, building up internal capabilities, and addressing niche challenges such as rooftop solar for rented properties. – Battery installations with home solar sales are becoming more common, with at least 50% of all solar installations now including a battery. – |
| There is untapped potential for rooftop solar in commercial buildings, schools, warehouses, car parks, and water bodies. – Noteworthy utility-scale solar PV projects in the UK include the Cleve Hill Solar Park and the Botley West Solar Farm. |
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