At Sunpower Services, we see solar energy as the engine that will drive Britain towards a cleaner and more secure future. UK businesses now stand at the centre of that change. Rising energy prices and carbon targets push firms to rethink how they use power. Solar energy already plays a major role in the national grid, yet we still need far more capacity to reach a fully renewable system. That gap creates a major opportunity for companies that invest early and lead the market.
The UK’s Renewable Ambition
The UK has set a clear goal to reach net zero by 2050. Renewable electricity forms the backbone of that ambition. Wind power has grown fast over the past decade, while hydro and biomass add useful support. Solar energy, however, offers the most direct path for businesses to generate their own clean power. Panels can sit on rooftops, car parks and unused land. They turn sunlight into electricity without noise or pollution.
Nationally, the UK now has around 15 gigawatts of installed solar capacity. That figure has risen steadily since 2010, yet it remains modest when compared with the country’s total demand. Britain uses over 300 terawatt hours of electricity each year. To supply all of that from renewables, the grid needs a balanced mix of wind, solar and storage. Solar energy must provide a much larger share than it does today.
How Much Solar Energy Does the UK Really Need?
To understand the scale of growth required, we must look at what solar can realistically deliver. A well-sited solar farm or rooftop system in the UK produces around 900 kilowatt hours per kilowatt of capacity each year. That output reflects our climate and daylight patterns. Using that average, the country would need about 350 gigawatts of solar capacity to meet all electricity demand from solar alone.
No one expects solar to do all the work. Wind power, both onshore and offshore, will carry a large share. Even so, experts agree that solar energy must reach at least 70 to 100 gigawatts by 2035. The Labour government pledged to reach 72 gigawatts by 2035 and are well on the way to beating that figure. That target represents a five to seven fold increase on current levels. The numbers sound bold, yet they remain achievable with the right investment. Businesses have a vital role in making that growth happen.
Why Businesses Sit at the Heart of Solar Growth
Commercial buildings offer huge potential for solar energy. Warehouses, offices and factories have large roof areas that often go unused. Car parks also provide ideal space for solar canopies. When firms install solar panels, they cut their own energy bills while supporting the national grid. Each new system reduces pressure on fossil fuel plants and lowers carbon emissions.
At Sunpower Services, we work with firms across the UK to design and install high performance systems. We see strong demand from sectors such as farming, retail, manufacturing and local authorities. These sectors use a lot of power during daylight hours, which matches solar output well. That alignment boosts self consumption and improves the return on investment.
The Role of Storage and Smart Grids
As solar energy expands, the grid must adapt to manage variable supply. Battery storage now plays a key role in that process. Modern systems can store excess power during the day and release it in the evening. That shift allows solar energy to support demand beyond daylight hours.
Smart grids also help balance supply and demand in real time. Digital controls adjust loads and storage based on available generation. These tools make high levels of solar energy far more practical.
Economic Benefits of Scaling Up Solar Energy
A major expansion of solar energy would bring strong economic gains. The sector already supports tens of thousands of jobs across the UK. Further growth would create work in manufacturing, installation and maintenance. Local supply chains would also benefit as projects scale up.
For businesses, solar energy offers a hedge against volatile energy prices. Companies that generate their own power gain more control over costs. They also improve their sustainability credentials, which matters to customers and investors. Many firms now face pressure to show real progress on carbon reduction. Solar power provides a visible and effective solution.
Land Use and Innovative Solar Projects
Some critics claim that solar farms take up too much land. In reality, the UK has ample space for well planned projects. Many solar sites sit on low grade agricultural land that still supports grazing. Dual use schemes allow farmers to earn income while keeping land productive.
Rooftop solar remains the biggest untapped resource. Studies suggest that commercial roofs alone could host tens of gigawatts of capacity. That figure would make a huge dent in the national target. At Sunpower Services, we help clients turn empty roofs into assets. Each project brings the UK closer to a fully renewable system.
Policy Support and Future Growth
Government policy continues to shape the pace of solar growth. Recent reforms have made it easier to connect new projects to the grid. Planning rules now favour rooftop installations on commercial buildings. These changes create a more stable environment for investors.
The UK also benefits from falling technology costs. Solar panels now cost far less than they did a decade ago. Efficiency keeps rising as well, which means each new system delivers more power per square metre. These trends support the rapid expansion of solar energy across the country.
How Sunpower Services Supports Business Transition
At Sunpower Services, we focus on making solar energy simple and affordable for businesses. Our team handles design, installation and ongoing support. We tailor each system to the client’s energy profile and site conditions. That approach ensures maximum output.
Power purchase agreements, such as those offered by Sunpower Services, removes the upfront cost barrier. This model allows businesses to enjoy clean energy from day one. They also make large scale projects more accessible to a wider range of companies.
The Path to a Fully Renewable UK
The journey to a fully renewable UK will take time and effort. Solar energy will play a defining role in that transition. With a target of 72 gigawatts by 2035, the scale of growth remains ambitious yet realistic. Businesses that act now will gain a competitive edge and support a national goal.
Every new solar array brings us closer to energy independence. Each project cuts emissions and builds a more resilient grid. At Sunpower Services, we believe that solar energy offers one of the smartest commitments a business can make today. The sun already provides more power than we could ever use. By capturing more of it, the UK can secure a cleaner and brighter future for all.
*All information correct as of 26 January 2026