A practical guide for businesses
This guide was published in March 2026.
Foreword
This is an exciting time for the UK solar sector. With our solar capacity set to double over the next four years – and to increase even further over the next decade – opportunities for growth in the domestic supply chain have never been greater.
Introduction
The UK’s shift to a low-carbon energy system is accelerating, and solar energy is central to that transition. As part of the Government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, solar deployment is being expanded rapidly to help decarbonise the power sector, enhance energy security, and deliver economic opportunities across the UK economy, including in supply chains and related businesses.
Who is this guide for?
This guide has been designed for companies already active in the solar supply chain with ambitions to grow as well as companies seeking to enter this supply chain who need clear and practical information on the support available.
Existing Solar Supply Chain Companies Scaling Operations
Businesses already operating within the UK solar supply chain will play a central role in delivering the scale of deployment envisaged in the Solar Roadmap. Companies across manufacturing, engineering, installation, electrical systems, and associated services may, therefore, be considering how best to expand their operations.
This guide brings together information on relevant government and partner support to enable business expansion aligned with national deployment ambitions.
Companies Entering the Solar Supply Chain
You may operate in a related sector and be considering entry into the solar supply chain.
This guide provides information on where opportunities exist in the solar value chain and how to access relevant support mechanisms to facilitate market entry.
International Companies Considering Entry into the UK Solar Supply Chain
You may be an overseas manufacturer, EPC contractor, technology provider or service company assessing opportunities in the UK market. The UK’s long-term solar deployment pathway and policy framework provide demand visibility and growth potential.
This guide consolidates the relevant information to support informed market entry decisions.
Technology and Innovation-Led SMEs
You may be a small or medium-sized enterprise developing innovative products or services relevant to solar deployment. The UK Government has emphasised the role of innovation and supply chain capability in delivering solar expansion.
This guide outlines the available support for research, development, testing, demonstration, and commercialisation as well as some of the key academic, research, and innovation organisations that could support you with your developments.
What This Guide Does Not Cover
This guide does not provide detailed technical design standards for solar equipment, a comprehensive market forecast or commercial advisory service, detailed skills and workforce guidance (which is being addressed by Solar Energy UK, through a dedicated working group), or formal regulatory or planning advice. Neither does it provide guidance on public procurement rules, supply-chain due diligence, ethical sourcing standards or compliance with legislation relating to modern slavery and forced labour.
Businesses should refer to the UK Government’s public procurement guidance and guidance on the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and transparency in supply chains, as well as relevant international standards and customer-specific requirements.
