Policy paper

Appendix 1: Action table

Published 30 June 2025

Rooftop

No.	Theme	Action	Lead
1	Solar on Carparks	To capitalise on this progress and potential opportunity, this year the Government published a call for evidence to assess the potential to drive the construction of solar canopies on outdoor carparks over a certain size. Responses are currently being analysed.	UK Government
2	Plug-in solar	Government will conduct a safety study this year with the aim of unlocking opportunities for plug-in solar over the next few years.	UK Government
3	Warm Homes Plan	Through the Warm Homes Plan, the Government will help households take up measures like solar panels, helping them save money on their bills. Further detail will be set out by October.	UK Government
4	Domestic Finance	Green Finance Institute (GFI) will work with the UK Government, the finance sector, consumer rights organisations, and other relevant industry bodies to support reform of the Consumer Credit Act and development of market-based solutions that help quantify and manage risk exposure while also protecting consumers. - Convene a discussion between the UK Government and UK Finance to identify a pathway to minimise barriers to lending for rooftop solar finance wherever possible. - Obtain commitments from mortgage lenders to engage collectively on the topic of facilitating rooftop solar through mortgages both for existing and potential customers. Work with retail banks to enable them to provide financial solutions for all suitable customers by 2030 for green home retrofit technologies including rooftop solar (subject to standard regulated affordability assessments, as per lenders’ standard criteria).	GFI
5	Domestic Finance	UK Government to consult on MEES for social rented sector and consider additional ways in which social landlords can be supported and further incentivised to provide solar to their tenants.	UK Government
6	Future Homes Standard	UK Government will publish the Future Homes Standard this Autumn. The new Standard will ensure solar panels are installed on the vast majority of new build homes once it comes into force, saving households hundreds of pounds a year on their energy bills.	UK Government
7	Energy Performance Certificates	The Government intends to introduce a “smart readiness” metric as part of wider EPC reform. If introduced, this will better capture the value of solar. The Government intends to introduce these changes in 2026.	UK Government
8	Domestic Incentives	Government and Industry will work with Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to ensure that solar is valued properly on residential properties.	UK Government / Industry
9	Commercial Rooftop	Two options for the Future Buildings Standard were proposed at consultation stage, both of which would lead to solar deployment on new non-domestic buildings. UK Government is currently considering the proposals and feedback from the consultation on Future Standards and will publish a response this Autumn.	UK Government
10	Commercial Stakeholder Interactions	UKWA and the wider logistics industry will work with real estate and solar industries to: - Streamline the approach to installing rooftop solar on leased commercial buildings and address the challenges posed by the traditional lease structure; - Develop guidance on how contractual agreements between landlords and tenants can be made to accommodate rooftop solar.

UKWA / Industry

No.	Theme	Action	Lead
11	Commercial Finance	The National Wealth Fund (NWF) will explore potential structures to finance solar projects or portfolios  pursuing innovative business models, including those entering into PPAs with sub-investment grade counterparties.	The National Wealth Fund
12	Commercial Finance	The DBT Industrial Strategy team will coordinate a Steering Group across Whitehall and arm’s-length bodies to consider potential government intervention to promote Corporate PPAs.	UK Government
13	Public Sector Finance	The Government is committed to schools deploying solar. Great British Energy and government have match funded the installation of solar on around 200 schools to be deployed in 2025/2026.	UK Government
14	Installation Standards and Consumer Protection	Government is pursuing reform of consumer protections: further details will be announced in due course.	UK Government

Networks

No.	Theme	Action	Lead
15	Timing of Submissions	NESO and network companies, when implementing connections reform, should ensure that the process of assigning queue position is fair across Transmission and Distribution.	NESO / ENA
16	Clock starts and technical competency	Ofgem will ensure that its end-to-end review includes recommendations around timely assessment and communication of transmission impacts and any required works/costs.	Ofgem
17	Accepted Demand Data	DNOs, with the support of ENA and industry, to consider expanding the Embedded Capacity Registers (ECRs) to include demand project data.	ENA / Industry
18	Super-grid transformers	Networks / Ofgem to continue work reviewing charging arrangements for Supergrid Transformers and should provide an update to industry by June 2025.	ENA / Ofgem
19	Planning consent for power lines on wood poles	DESNZ and MHCLG will consider reforms to planning requirements for distribution power lines carried on wooden poles.	UK Government
20	Residential solar connection process	DNOs, through the ENA and with input from industry, should continue to review their approaches to connecting residential rooftop solar projects.	ENA
21	Connection of solar on new build	DNOs, with the support of the ENA and input from industry, should consider (i) how better to facilitate solar installations on large non-domestic new buildings; and ii) developing a common approach to witness testing.	ENA
22	Connection of solar on new build	When offering flexible connection requiring ‘active network management’, wireless communication should be considered instead of digital signalling cables from substation to generation.	ENA
23	IDNOs	IDNOs – through the INA and liaising with the ENA where appropriate - will review connections processes and procedural consistency with respect to solar customer connections.	IDNOs / INA
24	IDNOs	Ofgem to undertake a review of the regulatory arrangements governing IDNOs by the end of 2025, including considering whether regulation should be brought into alignment with other DNOs.	Ofgem
25	Transmission Impact Assessments	Ofgem to increase the TIA threshold in England and Wales to 5MW.	Ofgem
26	Transmission Impact Assessments	DNOs, with the support of the Energy Networks Association (ENA), to promote and publicise treatment of generation which is to be submitted to TIA, whilst continuing to explore the adoption of best practice when connecting zero-export projects above the TIA threshold.	ENA
27	Data Definitions	Ofgem, working with networks companies, will continue to develop sector-wide understanding on what counts as commercially sensitive data.	Ofgem / ENA
28	Post-acceptance engagement	Ofgem, as part of their end-to-end review of connections, obligations and incentives, will consider introducing additional post-acceptance standards to improve the current levels of service.	Ofgem
29	BESS modelling	Network companies, ENA and industry, should continue to consider harmonising and publishing their modelling methodologies related to BESS, P2, P28, P18 and other planning assumptions. Developers should assist networks companies with their assessments by providing BESS profiles for non-firm connections.	ENA

Supply Chain and Innovation

No.	Theme	Action	Lead
30	Supporting the scaling up of manufacturing	The UK Government will consider the case to further support companies looking to scale up production of innovative solar technologies and processes and balance of system components.	UK Government
31	Practical support to business	UK Government will work with industry to create an online directory for solar manufacturing businesses.	UK Government/Industry
32	Practical support to business	SEUK will work with industry to develop an exemplary fair contracts and fair payment document.	SEUK
33	Facilitating innovative solar technologies and processes	UK Government will explore opportunities to support the development of standards for next generation solar panels and emerging applications.	UK Government
34	Facilitating innovative solar technologies and processes	UK Government and the National Physical Laboratory will explore long-term possibilities for establishing a PV innovation and infrastructure platform including a solar technology measurement and characterisation laboratory.	UK Government and National Physical Laboratory
35	Intellectual Property	The UK will continue to support evidence-based policy-making to ensure UK innovation is not undermined, engaging constructively in discussions to make sure UK priorities are represented at the WTO when necessary.	UK Government
36	Ensuring sustainable supply chains	The UK Government is clear that there should be no procurement of solar panels where there is evidence of forced labour. Through the Procurement Act, Government will empower contracting authorities to exclude suppliers from government contracts who have committed labour market misconduct and/or environmental offences in the UK or overseas. Additionally, Government will support and engage with industry standards such as the Solar Stewardship Initiative and, if necessary, identify where further action is needed, so we can prevent government, and wider UK contracts from being awarded to those who cannot meet ethical and industry-specific standards.	UK Government
37	Ensuring sustainable supply chains	The UK Government and SEUK will engage with relevant civil society groups to discuss the ongoing work of the SSI and the diversification of supply chains.	UK Government and SEUK

Skills

No.	Theme	Action	Lead
38	Understanding solar skills within net zero	DESNZ will continue to engage with Office for National Statistics (ONS), industry, trade unions and skill bodies to improve solar sector data.	UK Government
39	Spread of training opportunities	UK Government and industry will map current solar training provision in the UK, covering government- and industry-funded training.	UK Government / Industry
40	Spread of training opportunities	Industry will engage with government skills bodies, to explore models for effective delivery of solar skills training, at regional and local levels.	Industry
41	Routes to competence	SEUK, working with standard-setting bodies, will produce a map of routes to competency for vital core occupations, recommending the qualifications and experience necessary for employees to demonstrate competence.	SEUK
42	Installers	UK Government will build on the Warm Home Skills Programme by continuing to find opportunities to increase the uptake of recognised training provision in solar installation to grow the supply chain of competent installers.	UK Government
43	Installers	SEUK, Electrical Contractors Association, National Federation of Roofing Contractors and other trade bodies, to consider how to attract and retain the appropriate number and calibre of new installers.	SEUK / Industry
44	Training, upskilling, and apprenticeships	SEUK will produce and promote guidance to businesses and colleges, highlighting routes for potential employees across the UK to transition into the solar sector, including modular courses, DWP Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) and DfE’s Skills Bootcamps.	SEUK
45	Awareness and outreach	SEUK will (i) run annual regional careers fairs; and (ii) prepare a “schools pack” to provide schools and careers hubs with teaching materials on solar, encouraging industry to support outreach initiatives, such as “Solar PV for Schools”.	SEUK
46	Awareness and outreach attraction	UK Government and industry to use existing lines of communication with schools and the wider education, skills, and careers sectors, including devolved governments, to promote solar career opportunities.	UK Government / Industry
47	Collaboration with FE	Industry will better support the further education sector by: (i) connecting local colleges with businesses, by fostering industry ambassador events to link learners, tutors and employers; and (ii) increasing engagement with Local Skills Improvement Plans and further education Employer Liaison Groups.	Industry
48	Director training	Industry has developed a course for strategic leaders, including Directors, training for growth and effective leadership of their businesses, and will promote the uptake of the Help to Grow Management scheme.	Industry

Planning and support schemes

No.	Theme	Action	Lead
49	Updates to National Policy Statements	The UK Government and industry will continue to promote awareness across the sector of the various policy measures set out above and ensure that processes are designed in a way that takes solar into account.	Government/Industry
50	Planning	SEUK will work with representatives from the planning profession to review current training provision for the sector and ensure it is fit-for-purpose in supporting the delivery of renewables (including solar), including through university degrees.	SEUK
51	Planning	SEUK will produce factsheets on solar installations to aid the upskilling of planners and councillors and help plug the gap in expertise needed to effectively assess solar applications.	SEUK
52	Regional engagement	SEUK will actively engage with any Regional Mayor or Combined Authority interested in taking forward discussions about solar deployments in their regions and will support its members in doing the same where such opportunities arise.	SEUK
53	Floating solar	The UK Government will consider further support for FPV by keeping under review how it and other innovative solar technologies are considered in the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme.	UK Government
54	Floating solar	The UK Government will explore how planning levers could further support floating solar projects.	UK Government

Working with Others to Deliver our Ambition

No.	Theme	Action	Lead
55	Rooftop Solar	The UK Government to update the solar panel page on the current Energy Efficient Home campaign website to help promote solar policy and solar deployment.	UK Government
56	Rooftop Solar	UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) to develop the UKWA toolkit including a FAQ and customer journey for the commercial sector. This would include how to get a PPA.	UK Government / Industry
57	Community engagement	Industry to promote SEUK’s Community Engagement Good Practice Guidance.	Industry
58	Community engagement	SEUK will create a template for ground mount solar energy developers to use when stakeholder mapping.	SEUK
59	Community engagement	SEUK will create a communications toolkit focusing on how to communicate the benefits of solar when engaging with local communities. Develop case studies as part of the toolkit, to highlight good community engagement.	SEUK
60	Skills and Supply Chains	As announced in the Clean Power Action Plan, Government will explore options for an industry-led public awareness campaign, working across government and industry to: coordinate messaging, promote opportunities, improve diversity and help employees and employers navigate the skills landscape.	UK Government / Industry
61	Skills and Supply Chains	SEUK and Industry will promote careers through all allied industry events and platforms, including the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment’s Green Careers Hub. These will signpost the varied careers on offer and progression opportunities within the solar sector, offering interconnected and collaborative resources and sector-specific careers information resources.	SEUK / Industry
62	Skills and Supply Chains	Industry will publicise case studies and examples of how the circular economy can apply to the solar value chain.	Industry

Annexed Actions – Rooftop*

No.	Theme	Action	Lead
63	Building evidence for future solar / storage demand. Currently low demand results in lack of full roofspace being utilised.	The UK Government, UKWA and other trade bodies should work to understand what the electricity demand for warehouses is and predict future road freight needs (including Electric Vehicles) to provide an evidence base for future solar / storage demand.	Industry (UKWA)
64	Financing long term lease models	Subject to its investment principles and minimum ticket size of £25 million, the National Wealth Fund to consider financing long-term solar lease models in the UK, learning from the success of the third-party operator (TPO) model in the US and Germany.	The National Wealth Fund
65	Regulatory reform	Green Finance Institute to encourage and facilitate responses by the finance and solar sectors to the second stage consultation on reform of the Consumer Credit Act.	Green Finance Institute
66	Solar finance roundtable	Establish a solar finance roundtable to explore the following opportunities - clarify the process for obtaining approval to sell long-term solar leasing products. There is currently a long lead time on granting licenses, which incentivises providers to focus on short-term products; - Support the development of an asset-backed securities market to support aggregated, long-term financing of UK residential, commercial and industrial rooftop solar; and  - Publish data on finance providers for residential, commercial and industrial rooftop solar in order to provide confidence to the sector.)	Industry
67	Tenants and innovative technologies	Explore the risks, benefits and feasibility for tenants of innovative solar technology including plug-in solar and lightweight solar.	UK Government

Annexed Actions – Supply Chain and Innovation*

No.	Theme	Action	Lead
68	Artificial Intelligence	The UK Government, academia, and industry will collaborate to promote the integration and advancement of AI modelling within the national grid at both ESO and DNO level. This has the potential to unlock significant additional capacity within existing grid infrastructure and enable a greater proportion of intermittent renewable energy generation, such as solar PV, to be deployed at speed and scale. Alongside this, the ADViCE programme is looking at the publication of two reports which will layout the challenges faced by AI in the manufacturing sector. Following the publication of the report there will be opportunity for stakeholders to be involved in working groups which aim to accelerate the adoption of AI and will enable companies to compete effectively on the international stage.	UK Government, Industry, Academia
69	Agrivoltaics	Subject to the outcome of Defra’s rapid evidence review on the potential of agrivoltaics, the UK Government and Industry will look to explore future research and demonstration opportunities for agrivoltaic systems in the UK.	UK Government and Industry
70	Recycling	The UK Government and industry will  hold a roundtable bringing together academia, the solar industry, waste sector and relevant government departments and organisations to gain a greater understanding of the decommissioning dates for current UK solar panels and likely availability of current conventional and emerging innovative solar panel recycling practices.	UK Government and Industry
71	Battery Cell Innovation / Reliance	Industry will continue to develop stronger relationships with academia to explore options for supporting the R&D of new cell technologies for greater efficiencies and reducing reliance on critical minerals.	SEUK

Annexed Actions – Skills*

No.	Theme	Action	Lead
72	Understanding solar skills within net zero	Solar Energy UK will collaborate with other organisations, such as the Energy Utility Skills Partnership and the Electrical Contractors Association, to encourage efficient use of resources, improve and align standards of training and competence, and take advantage of lessons learnt from other industries where appropriate.	SEUK

*Please note all the actions annexed are actions which, in the interests of brevity are not fully discussed within the Roadmap but will be taken forward by Industry and / or the UK Government.