TO BE PUBLISHED January 2026
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Format: DOWNLOADABLE PDF
This conference will assess next steps for the UK’s deployment of solar energy, following publication of the Government’s Solar Roadmap in June, and recommendations from the Solar Taskforce.
The agenda will examine what will be needed if policy targets for accelerating delivery are to be achieved, with the roadmap outlining reforms aiming to boost solar capacity to 45-47 GW by 2030.
The conference will bring together policymakers and stakeholders to discuss priorities and practicalities for unlocking the potential of commercial and rooftop solar. Areas for discussion include upskilling the workforce, securing supply chains and procurement frameworks, and simplifying planning processes, as well as grid access and sequencing under the First Ready, First Connected model.
Sessions examine implications for planning reform, and frameworks for regional coordination between national and local government - as well as coordination between Ofgem, distribution and transmission network operators, and central and local government to strengthen delivery frameworks and support confidence in project pipelines.
Planning, local government & community engagement
Attendees will consider factors such as managing pressures around land use, including implications for biodiversity, and the need to maintain food security and production. Strategies for securing investment and meeting expectations for community benefit will also be assessed, including the role of legally defined community benefits in building local buy-in and supporting project viability.
The resourcing of local planning departments, statutory timelines, and the integration of solar development within wider spatial strategies and local land use plans will also be discussed.
Sessions will also assess the contribution of rooftop, balcony, and brownfield deployment to scaling local renewable energy generation, and the future of community energy in supporting engagement and participation.
Supply chains, innovation & delivery capacity
Further discussion will focus on the resilience of solar supply chains, including issues around import policy, ethical sourcing and reliance on high-risk jurisdictions, alongside opportunities for domestic manufacturing and innovation. Delegates will assess options for strengthening procurement processes and delivery models, and the role of Great British Energy in supporting deployment.
Those attending will consider workforce availability and installer capacity, training and accreditation requirements, and the wider skills agenda for the clean energy transition.
Grid access, sequencing & policy moving forward
Delegates will assess the future of grid access frameworks and implications of the transition to a First Ready, First Connected model. Sessions will explore challenges around sequencing and prioritising projects, regional capacity constraints, and alignment between planning progression and grid availability.
Further discussion will draw on progress so far and look towards next steps for UK solar policy and addressing key challenges, including the role of government in providing policy certainty, maintaining investment confidence, and aligning solar deployment with the UK’s wider clean energy and net zero targets.
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those already due to attend include parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons and officials from DESNZ; DAERA, NI; MHCLG; DfT; POST; CCS; the Welsh Government; and The Scottish Government.
