Sharp predicts a bright future for UK solar market

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Since the release of the feed-in tariff rates for the UK, Sharp Energy Solutions Europe has announced that it plans to significantly expand its resources in the region as the company expects a large amount of PV uptake within the next couple of years. 

“So far the UK solar market has lagged behind its European neighbors – but now Britain is taking the opportunity to bring about change in energy policy and simultaneously stimulate industry growth in the field of renewable energies.  In our solar module factory in Wales in Wrexham, we have expanded the production capacity of initially 20 to now 280MW.”

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Sharp also anticipates that the FiT rate, of up to 41.3p/kWh (€0.47.4), will draw in a large audience interested in boosting the UK market at Eco Build, the world’s largest trade fair for sustainable building in London, running from March 2-4.

“We expect large crowds of visitors at the fair,” said Andrew Lee, general manager of Sharp Solar UK.  “The interest in photovoltaic solutions will be greater under these policy frameworks than ever.”

Peter Thiele, executive vice president of Sharp Energy Solutions Europe notes that in the UK last year there was only 5MW of newly installed solar panels, however; according to the research firm IMS Research, the impact of the FiT could boost this figure to over 250MW by 2011.

The company also sees growth in the economy, with the creation of new job opportunities based upon the success of the PV industry in the UK. The company already provides 700 jobs in the European PV factory.  Andrew Lee said, “We now expect an upturn in the market, so our modules will now be installed in more in Britain and thus create additional jobs.”

Sharp will present at Eco Build at Booth 1148.

Read Next

September 18, 2025
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) has forecast that Canada will add between 17GW and 26GW of solar PV over the next decade.
September 18, 2025
Researchers have called for enhanced international standards to detect ultraviolet-induced degradation (UVID) in PV modules after identifying “severe” levels of the problem in operational n-type panels.             
September 18, 2025
Indian PV makers have welcomed the government’s plan to add solar wafers to its ALMM List-III from June 2028.
September 17, 2025
US renewables developer Longroad Energy has reached financial close for its 400MW 1000 Mile solar project in the US state of Texas.
September 17, 2025
Spanish renewables developer and operator Acciona Energía has commissioned its 412MWp Juna solar PV plant in Kawani village in the western state of Rajasthan. 
September 17, 2025
Spanish IPP Velto Renewables has acquired a portfolio of 53 operational solar assets in Spain with a combined capacity of 260MW.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA