Latest Solar and Energy Storage News

Stay informed with updates on solar innovations, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and net-zero advancements. Explore the trends shaping a sustainable future.

AI Energy Council meets for the first time, sets priorities for AI integration into energy transition

The AI Energy Council has met for the first time, setting five priorities to integrate AI into the UK’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan. Co-chaired by Ed Miliband, the council will guide AI adoption across the energy sector to enhance grid flexibility, sustainability, and net-zero delivery.

InstaVolt opens ultra-rapid EV charging ‘superhub’ in Winchester

InstaVolt has opened its most advanced EV charging superhub in Winchester, featuring 44 ultra-rapid 160kW chargers powered by onsite solar, battery storage, and renewable grid energy. It marks a milestone in sustainable EV infrastructure and is the largest site of its kind in the UK.

Breaking Boundaries: The Risks and Opportunities of V2X in the EV Era

As V2X technology reshapes how EVs interact with homes, grids, and infrastructure, its potential comes with serious cybersecurity risks. Without universal security standards, bidirectional charging—especially V2H in private and shared spaces—could become a major vulnerability in the clean energy transition.

BYD Launches 1000-Volt EV Platform

BYD has launched its new 1,000-volt Super E-platform, featuring the world’s fastest flash charge batteries, ultra-high RPM motors, and 1,000 kW peak charging speeds—twice as fast as Tesla’s best. The new platform will debut with the Han L and Tang L models and includes cutting-edge features like God’s Eye smart driving systems.

Schools and Hospitals receive £180m solar investment

The UK government has announced a £180 million solar investment for 200 schools and 200 hospitals, marking Great British Energy’s first major project. Aimed at cutting energy bills and emissions, the move is welcomed by educators and NHS leaders amid rising energy costs and aligns with national net-zero goals.

Government considers cutting Great British Energy funding

The UK government is reportedly considering cutting £3.3bn from the £8.3bn pledged to Great British Energy amid a spending review, raising concerns over the company’s future role in renewable investment.

Market outlook on the future of the BESS market in the UK

The UK BESS market has faced volatility in 2024, but stabilizing revenues and major investments, such as Goldman Sachs funding for Econergy's Swangate BESS, signal a positive outlook.

UK government doubles down on EV infrastructure rollouts with the Workplace Charging Scheme

The UK Government has expanded the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), adding 1,407 EV charging sockets in schools and extending grants for businesses, van drivers, and taxi operators. With £200m allocated for further EV infrastructure and £6bn in private investment, the UK is accelerating its transition to zero-emission transport.

Market Report: Spotlight on Solar Car Parks within Education Estates

A new market insight report by Energy Positive Assets highlights the £10 billion potential for solar car parks in UK education estates. With 2 million parking spaces across schools and colleges, the report explores financial incentives, investment viability, and policy support for solar carports, positioning them as a key solution for net-zero targets, energy cost savings, and EV infrastructure expansion.

Top 10 Solar and Storage Start-Ups Revolutionizing the Industry

A new wave of solar and storage startups is revolutionizing the renewable energy industry with cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions. From AI-driven solar optimization (MEGGITT) and EV transition solutions (EV8) to solar-tracking robots (Tractorbots) and sustainable battery storage (Beyond Batteries), these companies are shaping a clean energy future.

CCC releases seventh carbon budget

The Climate Change Committee (CCC) has released the Seventh Carbon Budget, setting a 532 MtCO₂e emissions limit for 2038-2042—a three-quarters cut from current levels. The strategy prioritizes electrification, low-carbon fuels, and carbon capture to drive the UK’s net-zero transition, with a strong focus on EV adoption, heat pumps, and offshore wind expansion.

Solar Car Parks to save £ billions in energybills across public and private estates

A new report highlights the vast potential of solar canopies in UK car parks, aligning with the government's "Clean Power 2030" initiative. With over 8 million parking spaces, solar carports could generate £4 billion in annual energy savings and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

UK investors and pension providers worth £1.2tr back climate stewardship statement

Over 25 UK investors and pension providers, managing £1.2 trillion, have signed the Asset Owner Statement on Climate Stewardship, setting expectations for stronger climate action in the investment sector.

Solar Costs increase 10% since change of government

New data reveals a 10% increase in solar panel installations across England since the new government took office, with 75,000 installations recorded in the second half of 2024.

Lessons from Europe: current appetite for solar is being driven bycorporate interests

The success of 500MW+ solar projects in Europe, like Germany’s Witznitz Energy solar PV plant, offers key lessons for the UK. Experts highlight corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) as a major driver for solar expansion, with companies like Microsoft securing long-term deals to meet decarbonization goals.

How AI Feeds The Clean Energy Misinformation Machine

AI-driven algorithms are amplifying misinformation about clean energy, shaping public perception through biased search results and social media influence. AI expert Safiya Umoja Noble warns that search engines prioritize profit-driven content, making it harder to differentiate facts from misinformation.

UK has a new Net Zero Council

The newly expanded Net Zero Council has convened to develop strategies for accelerating the UK’s clean energy transition. Co-chaired by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Co-operative Group CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq, the Council includes businesses, trade unions, and local authorities. Its focus includes supporting SMEs, advising government policy, and driving sector-specific roadmaps.

UK to Slash Red Tape for Large-Scale Solar Rooftop Projects

The UK government is set to accelerate large-scale rooftop solar deployment by raising the transmission impact assessment (TIA) threshold from 1MW to 5MW. This move, welcomed by Solar Energy UK, aims to remove bureaucratic barriers, reducing project delays and costs.

UK Weighs Solar Carport Mandates as EU Pushes Ahead

As EU nations implement legislation requiring solar panels on large car parks, the UK is still debating its approach. Research shows the UK’s 500 largest businesses could save £140 million annually by installing solar carports, while nationwide adoption could offset 900,000 tonnes of CO₂ and reduce energy bills by £2.2 billion per year.

Solar Car Park Market set to quadruplein size within 5 years

The global solar carport market is on track for explosive growth, projected to expand from $343.96 million in 2023 to $1.48 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 10.5%. Key drivers include the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), government incentives for renewable energy, and the dual benefit of solar power generation with EV charging infrastructure.

How Bad Is Renewable Energy Misinformation?

A recent investigation suggests that MSN may be amplifying anti-renewable energy narratives, potentially through unchecked reposting of misleading articles. Researchers found that for every one positive or factual renewable energy article, three negative and often unsubstantiated pieces were published.

How will the return of President Trump impact the solar industry in the USA, UK or Europe?

The return of President Trump brings uncertainty to renewable energy policies, with reversals of climate legislation and withdrawal from the Paris Accord. Solar remains a compelling investment, delivering outstanding returns in the right locations, regardless of political shifts.

Car park solar panels have enormous untapped energy and potential

A groundbreaking study reveals that installing solar panels on over 500,000 car parking spaces in England could generate 1.3GW of clean electricity, potentially powering 350,000 homes and offering businesses a cost-effective, sustainable energy solution.

Workplace Charging Scheme for state-funded education institutions

State-funded schools and education institutions can apply for the Workplace Charging Scheme to receive up to 75% funding for EV chargepoint installations, with a maximum of £2,500 per socket and up to 40 sockets across sites.

The Future of Solar Carports in the UK: Paving the Way for Sustainable Infrastructure

With government support and technological advances, they are key to achieving net-zero goals and driving sustainable infrastructure development.

Solar Car Canopies & Commercial Solar to Form Part of the Clean Power Action Plan in 2025

How the Clean Power Action Plan aims to achieve 45GW-47GW solar capacity by 2030 with initiatives like solar car canopies and rooftop solar on warehouses, supporting clean energy and EV infrastructure.

Solar and BESS highlights from 2024

This has been a big year for the UK’s solar and storage industry, with major developments in the sector for the most part positive.

Potential for solar car park canopies in the new Clean Power 2030 Plan

The Clean Power Action Plan set out byenergy secretary Ed Miliband on 13 December sets the objective of reaching 45GW-47GW solar generation capacity by 2030.

Tenbury High School Opens new SolarSpace Drama & Music Building

Tenbury High bolsters cultural curriculum with new eco-build performing arts centre.