Solar power UK hails phones call to speed up solar connections

• Environmental Audit Committee warns "dark cloud of hold-ups" can hinder the UK solar sector

Solar Energy UK has actually welcomed the Commons' Environmental Audit Committee's demand for shorter waiting times to connect solar as well as battery projects to the grid.

The committee outlined suggestions on just how the UK government can achieve its aspiration to install 70GW of solar producing capacity by 2035, requiring better partnership to address grid restrictions as well as accessibility to funding for households.

Committee chair Philip Dunne warned that if action were not taken "with some urgency, there is most likely to be a really substantial shortage" on the government's target.

" There is potential for solar power to have a bright future in the UK, but a dark cloud of hold-ups for the market hinders the capacity to fulfill its complete potential," he included.

Solar power UK warned that waiting times for big solar projects' connection to the electrical power grid, both on roofing systems as well as ground, can usually stretch well into the 2030s.

According to the committee, this is because of historical underinvestment, the way connection applications are handled, "less competent" distribution network operators as well as "a governing failure with Ofgem failing to prioritise net zero".

MPs are seeking urgent temporary options to these troubles. Their demands include a new mission statement for Ofgem requiring grid drivers to accelerate financial investment.

Solar Energy UK chief executive Chris Hewett specified: "It is grossly undesirable that solar projects with planning consent as well as with financing ready to go can told to wait more than a decade simply to connect to the grid. The circumstance is causing billions of pounds of economic damage to the UK."