The UK government has published its Solar Roadmap, setting out dozens of steps to “unleash a rooftop revolution across the UK” by the end of the decade.

The comprehensive strategy and plan of action is intended to achieve the significant increase in solar deployment needed to support the delivery of clean power by 2030, as set out in the Government’s Clean Power Action Plan.

The Solar Roadmap presents the final conclusions of the Solar Taskforce and sets out the steps needed for the Government and industry to deliver 45-47GW of solar by 2030 – which will support up to 35,000 jobs and use less than half a percent of total UK land. The roadmap outlines practical actions for industry and government to overcome the challenges to delivering this ambition within the next five years and boost the UK’s energy security, while also cutting energy costs for households and businesses.

For consumers, the plans include increasing solar deployment on new build homes through the Future Homes Standard to save households money on bills. According to the roadmap, homeowners could save around £500 from the Government’s ‘rooftop revolution’. And to help households with the finances of installing rooftop solar, the Government is working with the Green Finance Institute, the finance sector, consumer bodies and the solar sector itself to provide financial solutions for households and businesses.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) also says there is huge potential for commercial buildings, which offer large roof spaces, and for public sector buildings, including social housing, to contribute to solar deployment.

Outdoor carparks also provide great potential to deploy solar canopies. These deliver clean electricity, as well as potential for electric vehicle charging and shelter for cars. Following the implementation of a new permitted development right to allow for the installation of solar canopies in non-domestic off-street carparks in England, it is now easier and quicker to deploy this technology.

And earlier this year, DENSZ published a call for evidence seeking views on proposals to mandate solar power canopies for new outdoor car parks. The call for evidence sought to understand how to harness the untapped potential of solar in car parks, aka solar carports, across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Responses are currently being analysed.

There’s also plans to launch a safety review to unlock portable plug-in solar panels, making it easier and cheaper for people living in rented accommodation and apartments to install solar on their balconies and rooftops. Plug-in solar works in the same way as rooftop solar panels, except it is portable and is connected directly into plug sockets – ideal for apartments with balconies.

Plug-in solar is currently unavailable in the UK due to longstanding regulations. But in Germany, around 435,000 balconies had plug-in solar installed in 2024 alone, saving residents in apartments money on their electricity bills.

And the Government is looking to build stronger engagement with industry and trade bodies to identify skills gaps in the solar sector to support more people into well-paid clean energy jobs.

Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: “Families have been paying the price for the fossil fuel rollercoaster for years.

“Our Plan for Change means delivering more homegrown energy that we control to boost the UK’s energy security and save money on your bills.

“Through solar, we are rolling out the quickest to build and one of the cheapest forms of energy for families to start saving hundreds on their energy bills, all whilst helping tackle the climate crisis.”

Among the case studies mentioned in the report, DENSZ gives the example of Stourton Park and Ride in Leeds – the UK’s first fully solar-powered park and ride – which features a 1.2MW system of solar panels, battery storage and 26 EV charging points.

The solar PV system is estimated to generate 852,000kWh a year and offset 471 tonnes of carbon in its first year – the equivalent of removing over 200 cars from the road.

The Renewable Energy Association (REA) said the roadmap as a “welcome and timely intervention that recognises the vital role rooftop solar can play in cutting bills, creating jobs, and boosting the UK’s energy security”.

Trevor Hutchings, chief executive, continued: “Solar is popular, low-cost and quick to deploy – and this roadmap sets out a credible pathway that brings together policy, finance and industry to accelerate its rollout across the built environment.

“We particularly welcome the focus on unlocking solar potential on new builds, car parks and rented homes, alongside greater collaboration with industry to address skills and supply chain challenges. Likewise, the recognition that we must recycle solar panels at their end of life. This is a new industrial opportunity for the UK as well as reducing our reliance on international supply chains. These are priorities the REA has long championed, and we look forward to working with Government to ensure this ambition is turned into delivery.”

For the full Solar Roadmap, please click here.