UK Solar Capacity Surges: 3,500 solar farms planned amidst cost reduction and policy changes, aiming for 55 GW by 2030

The UK is experiencing a solar power boom with nearly 3,500 solar farms currently in the planning stage. Solar power has become the cheapest form of energy production in the country, thanks to significant cost reductions and improvements in solar panels. Forecasts predict a 50% increase in capacity for solar power this year, compared to last year's 20%. The current capacity of solar energy in the UK is 20 GW, or about 5% of total electricity generation. 2,832 projects have planning permission awaiting construction, including Cottam solar farm on the border between Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. Another 637 are waiting for planning decisions. Government is streamlining permits and grid connections in order to speed up solar farm development, while Labour has promised to increase capacity to 55GW within five years. Currently, solar power costs £41/MWh, compared with £114/MWh for gas. It is expected to drop to £35/MWh by 2030