The grid upgrade we needed to unlock the real power of solar

Darren Lewis | 2/7/2025

Ofgem’s recent approval of £24 billion in transmission upgrades is the clearest sign yet that the UK is finally taking the energy transition seriously. This decision is long overdue. For too long, utility-scale ground mount solar has been held back not by a lack of investment or innovation, but by a grid that simply could not keep up.

This announcement changes the game. But only if the delivery is as serious as the ambition.

Utility-scale solar is ready. The grid is not

At Solar Group Utilities, we focus solely on utility-scale ground mount solar. These are large, high-impact projects that can power thousands of homes with clean, reliable energy. But even the most efficient solar farm is powerless if the grid cannot handle the export.

We have reached a stage where many developers are sitting on shovel-ready projects. They have land. They have planning. They have funding. But they cannot build because the connection dates are years away. That is not a technology problem. That is a grid problem.

Ofgem’s greenlight for more than 80 transmission projects gives us a chance to change that. If rolled out quickly, these upgrades will create the backbone we need to connect large-scale solar to where the demand is.

We cannot meet 2030 targets without large-scale solar in the mix

There is no credible path to net zero without utility-scale ground mount solar. Rooftop and local generation have their place, but they are not enough on their own. We need the scale and speed that only ground mount can deliver.

What this grid investment really means is that we can start to unleash the full potential of this technology. We can build bigger, faster, and in locations that make the most sense from a land and generation point of view, not just based on where the grid happens to be available.

Costs will rise in the short term. But this is the investment we need

Yes, energy bills will go up. Ofgem has been clear about that. But the long-term savings from reducing gas dependence and unlocking low-cost solar will outweigh the near-term impact. The alternative is worse. Without a functioning grid, solar projects stall. When that happens, we keep burning gas and missing targets.

The public needs to understand that this is not just about expensive cables. It is about futureproofing the entire system so that technologies like ground mount solar can do the heavy lifting.

Planning reform and local cooperation are essential

Large-scale solar projects already face enough hurdles. Land agreements, environmental impact studies and local consultation are all part of the process. Adding grid delays on top has made many viable sites unworkable.

That is why this new wave of infrastructure must come with a commitment to streamline grid connection processes and reform planning at a national level. If we want to hit 2030 targets, we need to move from years of waiting to months of action.

Communities must be brought along too. Ground mount solar is often located in rural areas. We need to show how these projects benefit not just the national grid, but local economies, job creation and biodiversity. The more we can link grid investment to local outcomes, the more support we will see.

The opportunity is real. But only if we deliver

We are at a crossroads. Utility-scale solar is proven. The investment case is solid. The land is available. The public want cleaner energy. Now, with Ofgem’s backing, the grid has a real shot at catching up.

But this will only work if the approvals are matched by delivery. We need faster build timelines, better coordination between DNOs and developers, and fewer bureaucratic delays.

The UK solar industry is ready to scale. With the right grid in place, utility-scale solar can do more than meet energy targets. It can redefine how we power our future.

Solar is no longer a niche part of the mix. Ground mount solar is central to the UK’s energy future. Ofgem’s decision is the green light we have been waiting for. Now let’s build the infrastructure that allows us to get on with the job.