The government's reactivated Solar Taskforce has met for the first time, with the aim of boosting solar energy's role.
The taskforce unites leading figures from DESNZ, industry and regulatory organisations.
Energy secretary Ed Miliband has said that solar will be a key driving force behind the 2030 clean power mission. The government has said that homegrown renewable energy projects including solar will help build the UK’s energy independence and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The taskforce has committed to delivering an updated solar roadmap within the coming months.
The first meeting focused on renewed efforts to expand solar energy initiatives, including actions to develop ethical, resilient and innovative supply chains and to ensure that a skilled and properly resourced workforce is in place to scale up solar installations across the UK.
Plans were announced in July for a ‘solar rooftop revolution’, which will see millions more homes nationwide equipped with solar panels.
Miliband said: "The relaunch of the Solar Taskforce is essential for accelerating action and innovation in our journey towards clean power by 2030 – and to achieve this we are committed to working in lockstep with industry.
"The taskforce has shared ambitions to go further and faster, and as solar is one of the cheapest sources of power to build and operate, it is just common sense to make sure it powers even more UK homes and businesses.
"This will not only help to cut carbon emissions but communities stand to benefit too from secure homegrown energy and lower energy costs."
Chris Hewett, CEO Solar Energy UK, said: "I am excited to be working with the new Secretary of State on getting the solar taskforce back to work for the country.
"More solar power means cheaper, more secure and more sustainable energy, alongside jobs and economic growth."
"To deliver on those aims, the forthcoming solar roadmap will outline how the UK will overcome critical barriers to the sector’s growth, among them skills and access to the electricity grid."
