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  • The state of UK solar with Chris Hewett of Solar Energy UK - Positive Energy podcast Ep3

The state of UK solar with Chris Hewett of Solar Energy UK – Positive Energy podcast Ep3

Written by
Updated on 2 August 2024
  • Solar expert Chris Hewett is the third guest on the Positive Energy podcast
  • Solar Energy UK represents more than 400 UK solar businesses 
  • Watch on YouTube
  • Listen on Spotify

Watch episode 3 of Positive Energy – powered by The Eco Experts, with solar expert Chris Hewett in conversation with host Chris Hambling and editor Roland Ellison

For episode 3 of Positive Energy, we spoke to Chris Hewett, the Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK, about the state of UK solar.

With an impressive 25-year career in sustainability, Chris took on the role of Chief Executive at Solar Energy UK in January 2018.

Solar Energy UK is an established trade association that represents the entire solar and energy storage value chain. It is funded largely by its membership of over 400+ businesses and associates working in solar.

We asked Chris questions about how the solar industry has changed over time, where it will be in the next decade and about the immediate challenges facing the new government to accelerate the race to renewables and net zero.

As per its recent manifesto, Solar Energy UK is currently targeting 70GW of solar generation in the UK by 2035. Which means there is just over a decade to triple current solar energy capacity, and for the UK to become a leader in the transition to clean energy. We asked Chris about the barriers that need to be removed before these ambitious targets can be met.

Also, with around 260,000 jobs linked to the oil and gas industries in the UK, the impact of the energy transition on employment is a concern.. We asked Chris about current skills shortages in the solar industry and how action is being taken to make sure that the energy transition means there are opportunities for re-skilling and re-training. 

The upfront costs of solar are also a challenge for consumers. With the average domestic solar installation costing around £9000 in 2024, according to the MCS and government grants quite tight on eligibility, we also discuss other levers the new government can pull to encourage solar uptake, including addressing the Spark Gap between electricity and gas prices. 

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Listen to ‘The state of UK solar with Chris Hewett of Solar Energy UK – Positive Energy podcast Ep3’ below

Watch previous episodes of Positive Energy below:

Ep 1 – Bean Beanland

Ep 2 – Ramin Hakimov

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Written by:
Louise joined The Eco Experts as Editorial Assistant in April 2024. She is a talented artist who has a keen interest in solutions that lead to a more environmentally-friendly future.
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