Early year predictions courtesy of Solar Media Market research, was the UK solar market would grow 50% year on year for the second year in a row, adding 5-5.5GW of capacity by EOY 2026. The market is buoyant; there is positive anticipation and signs that their prediction will materialise but not without its challenges. Costs, both materialistically and inflationary + grid reform prominence led to a lot of positioning taking place in H1 priming H2 for a late increase of activity in the building phases.
AR8 CFD Allocation is highly anticipated following the successful AR7 allocation round, while AR7 had a lower average capacity it allocated more projects than ever before. West Burton was the only NSIP successful in securing CFD in AR7, coming into AR8 a large part of the capacity approved comes from NSIP projects creating a feeling that there could be more having success this time around.
Government support remains and money is there to be invested as seen / heard at the Solar Finance & Investments summit earlier in the year.
The sun continues to shine on the UK market and looks like doing so for a few more years to come.
Get in touch: Neil.salmon@lsprenewables.com
