Great British Energy Expands National Solar Scheme

Why the National Solar Scheme Expansion Matters Now

The expansion of the Great British Energy National Solar Scheme marks a major milestone in the UK's transition toward renewable energy, spearheading a wave of change that impacts military bases, NHS facilities, and schools on a national scale. As part of a £255 million initiative, the scheme is set to increase national solar capacity, drive energy security, and provide significant cost savings while positioning the UK as a global leader in solar deployment. Atlantic Renewables, with its deep industry backing, stands at the forefront to deliver industry-leading solar PV and battery storage solutions that align with this ambitious government programme.

UK Solar Energy Trends and the Impact of Large-Scale Schemes

The solar energy market in the UK has seen exponential growth in the past decade. As of August 2025, the UK boasted over 19 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar capacity, equivalent to approximately 4.2 million solar systems nationwide. Thanks to ongoing government support and incentives, more than 1.6 million UK homes now benefit from rooftop solar panels, driving a 6.8% surge in installations from 2024 alone.

Large-scale schemes backed by Great British Energy are critical to reaching the government's ambitious target of 45–47 GW of solar capacity by 2030. These policy-driven projects not only supply clean, affordable electricity but also support skilled job creation and attract investment to the economy. With this roadmap in place, Atlantic Renewables' expert team is uniquely positioned to help residential, commercial, and public sector clients access the full benefits of the renewable revolution.

How Military Bases and the Public Sector Lead in National Solar Expansion

The latest phase of the National Solar Scheme will see solar panels and micro-wind turbines installed across 15 Ministry of Defence (MoD) sites, 250 schools, and over 270 NHS facilities, targeting both remote training grounds and high-demand energy sites. With 1.5 million panels planned across more than 800 sites, these installations are poised to generate enough renewable electricity to power approximately 500,000 UK homes.

For the MoD, the new solar capacity means operational savings and revenues that can be redirected to frontline defence spending while contributing meaningfully to the UK's net-zero targets by 2050. 

How Much Can Solar Save on UK Energy Bills?

Participating in the National Solar Scheme can significantly reduce energy bills for both institutions and homeowners. For families adopting rooftop solar under government-backed schemes, estimates show potential annual savings of around £500 on household energy bills. Hospitals, schools, and military facilities will divert these operational savings toward essential services, multiplying the societal benefit.

With the price of traditional energy skyrocketing in recent years, the renewable energy investment delivers a robust return for the public purse and for energy bill payers. To see how much solar can save, Atlantic Renewables offers tailored assessments and quotes—reach out to our team of experts for a bespoke analysis today.

National Solar Scheme Expansion and Jobs in Renewable Energy

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero anticipates that the solar sector's rapid growth will support the creation of hundreds of thousands of #green jobs across the UK. The Clean Energy Jobs Plan will introduce improved worker protections and a Fair Work Charter aimed at ensuring all clean energy roles come with good wages and job security.

As the expansion proceeds, demand for skilled solar PV installers, engineers, and system designers will grow substantially. Atlantic Renewables is committed to upskilling our workforce, supporting apprenticeships, and providing meaningful careers in one of Britain’s most dynamic industries.

What Are the Key Targets of the UK Solar Roadmap 2025

The Solar Roadmap 2025, released by the UK Government, sets out over 70 actions, including:

• Making solar mandatory on new homes from 2025
• Streamlining grid and planning processes for large-scale and rooftop installations
• Supporting UK manufacturing and ethical supply chains
• Launching a new Solar Council to ensure delivery

With a £13.2 billion Warm Homes Plan focused on solar PV, heat pumps, and battery systems, and additional public sector funding, the policy landscape provides long-term certainty. Atlantic Renewables is ready to help UK clients navigate grants and incentives, with in-depth guidance always available on our website.

Environmental Gains and Net Zero by 2050

Expanding the National Solar Scheme is expected to dramatically cut public sector carbon emissions; each megawatt-hour of solar electricity generated eliminates around 0.5 tonnes of CO₂ compared to fossil generation. With #government plans to prohibit new fracking and increase solar deployment across the national estate, the solar roadmap is central to making the UK a clean energy superpower.

Join the movement to a greener future—Atlantic Renewables is your trusted partner in making net zero a reality for homes, businesses, and the public sector.

Get in Touch

If the National Solar Scheme expansion has inspired you to reduce your energy bills, access government incentives, or simply discover the right solar PV and battery storage solution for your building, contact Atlantic Renewables today. Our expert engineers are ready to guide you through every step—from proposal to installation and maintenance.

Call us on 0161 207 4044 and discover how easy it is to go solar with Atlantic Renewables—the North West’s most trusted solar and battery storage provider. Start generating clean, affordable energy and see the benefits of the national solar scheme in action!