National policy support for photovoltaic panels

Should guidance on solar PV be included in the National Policy Statement?

The solar industry very much welcomes the addition of guidance on solar PV to the National Policy Statement for renewable energy infrastructure. However, there are several provisions which could be strengthened, which we have outlined below.

Are solar farms covered by a national policy statement?

Although solar farms are not covered in the existing suite of National Policy Statements, the draft National Policy Statement for renewable energy infrastructure covers solar farms at the scale of nationally significant infrastructure.The draft National Policy Statements are currently undergoing Parliamentary scrutiny.

What is solar PV & how can it help the UK?

Solar PV is one of the eight key renewable energy technologies that can help to create a clean, balanced UK energy mix1.

How much solar PV will be deployed in the UK?

As set out in the UK Renewable Energy Roadmap Update 2012, analysis indicates that there is a potential deployment range of 7-20GW (equivalent to 6-18TWh), with 20GW being the technical maximum level of solar PV deployment by 20201. 14.

How do we support solar PV?

Support for solar PV should assess and respond to the impacts of deployment on: grid systems balancing; grid connectivity; and financial incentives – ensuring that we address the challenges of deploying high volumes of solar PV. 7. This Roadmap sets out these principles – covering what has been done to date, and where further work is needed.

What is a solar photovoltaic (PV)?

iple solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. They are used to generate energy at a large scale to feed into the electricity grid and to supply power o domestic and commercial consumers. They differ from small-scale solar panels, which are used by homeowners, businesses or community groups to supply p