Brexit's Unexpected Boost to UK Solar: How Leaving the EU Reshaped the Industry
The Initial Shock: Brexit's Immediate Impact on Solar
When the UK voted to leave the European Union in 2016, the solar industry braced for impact. The immediate aftermath saw a significant drop in the value of the British pound, causing concern among solar investors and developers. Projects that were once economically viable suddenly faced uncertainty, with some becoming financially unfeasible overnight. This initial shock led to a temporary slowdown in solar installations across the country.
Regulatory Shifts: Adapting to a Post-EU Landscape
Despite fears that Brexit would lead to a rollback of renewable energy commitments, the UK's domestic Climate Change Act of 2008 remained in force, ensuring continued support for the solar sector. This legal framework, independent of EU directives, provided a stable foundation for the industry to build upon. Atlantic Renewables, along with other solar installers, found themselves navigating a new regulatory environment that, while challenging, offered unexpected opportunities.
How Did Brexit Affect Solar Panel Imports?
One surprising benefit of Brexit was the removal of duties on solar PV panels imported from outside the EU. This change allowed UK solar companies to source panels more competitively, potentially reducing overall installation costs. Atlantic Renewables leveraged this advantage to offer more competitive pricing to our customers, helping to drive adoption of solar technology across the UK.
Did Brexit Impact Solar Investment in the UK?
Initially, Brexit created uncertainty that deterred some investors from the UK solar market. However, as the dust settled, the industry demonstrated remarkable resilience. By 2025, the UK was forecast to add between 3-3.5GWp-dc of solar capacity, approaching the record levels seen in 2015. This growth trajectory suggests that Brexit's long-term impact on solar investment was less severe than initially feared.
The Role of Government Support Post-Brexit
While Brexit led to concerns about the loss of EU funding for renewable projects, the UK government stepped up with domestic initiatives to support the solar industry. The Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, for instance, continued to drive large-scale solar installations, with rounds AR4, AR5, and AR6 accounting for nearly 850MW of capacity added in 2024 alone.
Brexit and the Shift Towards Subsidy-Free Solar
Interestingly, Brexit coincided with a broader trend towards subsidy-free solar projects in the UK. As technology costs decreased and efficiency improved, many solar installations became economically viable without government support. This shift helped insulate the industry from potential Brexit-related policy changes and demonstrated the sector's growing maturity.
How Did Brexit Affect Solar Jobs and Skills?
One area of concern post-Brexit was the potential loss of skilled workers from EU countries. However, this challenge also presented an opportunity for the UK to develop its domestic solar workforce. Companies like Atlantic Renewables invested in training programs to upskill local talent, ensuring a robust pipeline of qualified solar installers and technicians.
The Unexpected Rise of Residential Solar Post-Brexit
Contrary to initial fears, residential solar installations saw a significant boost in the years following Brexit. By 2024, approximately 20% of the UK's new solar capacity came from residential rooftop installations, continuing a trend of substantial year-on-year growth. This surge in home solar adoption can be attributed to increasing energy prices and a growing desire for energy independence among UK homeowners.
Looking Ahead: The Future of UK Solar in a Post-Brexit World
As we move further from the Brexit decision, the UK solar industry continues to show strong growth potential. The government's commitment to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 provides a clear long-term trajectory for the sector. With forecasts suggesting the UK could reach 47GW of solar capacity by 2030, the future looks bright for solar energy in Britain.
Get in Touch
If you're considering harnessing the power of solar energy for your home or business, Atlantic Renewables is here to help. Our team of expert engineers can guide you through the process of installing a cutting-edge solar PV system, helping you take advantage of the post-Brexit solar boom. Call us on 0161 207 4044 and start your journey towards energy independence today!
