The UK already has a large solar resource, with solar supplying up to 25% of total electricity requirements on some days.
The UK government is committed to achieving zero net carbon emissions by 2050 and this will require a much larger contribution from renewables, including solar.
Solar was originally developed with the support of incentive schemes, including the Feed in Tariff and Renewables Obligation. However, falling costs and greater efficiencies mean that solar is now the first energy source that can be built without any financial support from the government.
Solar benefits from being silent, having low visual impact, being relatively easy to install and requiring little maintenance. Well-designed solar farms can be managed to enhance biodiversity and the local environment.