Surging Capacity Growth: In the first half of 2025, China alone added around 212 GW of solar, part of nearly 268 GW of new renewables installed, nearly double year-on-year arXiv+13Lightsource bp+13Solar Energy UK+13pv magazine International.
Installed Base Rising: Global solar power output now stands at ~2,129 TWh, representing about 8% of total generation, according to Goldman Sachs Financial Times.
Outlook: New solar PV installations are expected to slow to ~655 GW in 2025, though still strong. Deployment remains uneven across regions spanning grid upgrades and strategic investment needs SolarPower EuropeLightsource bp.
The UK has installed around 18 GW of solar PV capacity by mid‑2025 — about 5% of electricity mix, with sunny days producing up to 30% of demand Solar Energy UK+15en.wikipedia.org+15GOV.UK+15.
More than 2 GWp has already been commissioned in 2025 — the strongest start to a year for a decade — supported by Cleve Hill Solar Park, the UK’s largest at 373 MW with substantial grid-scale battery storage Solar Power Portal+1en.wikipedia.org+1.
Over 30% of new solar installations now include battery storage systems, up from 10% five years ago — enabling greater self‑consumption, financial returns, and grid resilience Atlantic Renewables.
Solar Energy UK reports solar + battery networks could contribute £5.1 billion annually to the UK economy by 2035, supporting over 40,000 jobs and escalating public revenue from £1.9 billion in 2024 to ~£698 m by 2035 Solar Energy UK.
Great British Energy (GBE) formally launched on 15 May 2025, with £8.3 bn in state support and a £200 m initial solar rooftop investment, including public sector buildings like schools and NHS sites Solar Power Portal+2en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2.
New policy requires forced-labour-free solar supply chains in GBE projects; passed through amendments to the GBE Bill Solar Power Portal+1Homebuilding+1.
A 13‑week target for minister‑called planning decisions now standard for solar farms and infrastructure — increasing predictability for developers Solar Energy UK.
Legal clarity arrived around overplanting: solar farms under 50 MW may exceed generation-to-grid export caps (i.e. up to 49.9 MW) provided full project impacts are assessed Solar Power Portal.
Under the Future Homes Standard (autumn 2025), solar panels and low‑carbon heating must be standard on most new builds Energy Saving Trust.
Discussions underway around relaxing rules on plug‑in balcony solar panels to support flat dwellers and renters Energy Saving Trust.
Local opposition in Lincolnshire: community backlash over large-scale solar farms and infrastructure — Reform UK tapping into rural discontent around land use and economic benefit distribution The Guardian.
Skeptics warn high net‑zero costs could add £389 per UK household by 2030, pointing to energy affordability and reduced fossil fuel tax revenue The Sun.
Consumers increasingly shifting away from premium green energy tariffs due to cost constraints, reducing green tariff offerings to 18% of the market, even though the remaining options often have stronger environmental credentials The Guardian.
Global trend: solar is one of the fastest-growing energy sources and is becoming a major component of electricity supply, especially in Asia. Falling costs and modular deployment are accelerating adoption.
UK trajectory: solar is ramping up impressively with significant growth at utility scale and rooftops, bolstered by batteries, state backing, and reforms.
Long-term hurdles: resistance at local level, supply chain ethics, grid integration, and political dynamics may shape pace and design of rollout.
Economic opportunity: scaling solar + storage is projected to deliver substantial GVA, jobs, and resilience — but requires alignment across planning, policy, and industry to unlock.
If you’d like, I can dive deeper into specific themes — such as rooftop deployment, industrial strategy, storage integration, or regional planning challenges. Also happy to recommend recent data sources or upcoming events shaping the solar industry.
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