Huge blow to Ed Miliband as not enough trained staff to achieve solar power dream

Ed Miliband 's dream of a net zero future has been hit with a challenge as the country does not have the staff to keep up with the demand for solar energy, an expert has warned. The Energy Security and Net Zero Secreatary pledged to triple solar power across the UK by 2030, but this goal is already facing hurdles. Stuart Nicholson, roof systems director at roofing specialists Marley , said "the biggest barrier" is currently the shortage of solar panel installers.

He told the Express: "Despite growing homeowner demand for solar, the lack of trained and accredited solar PV installers remains the biggest barrier to its widespread adoption ." Solar PV refers to the technology that uses solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity and used interchangeably with solar panels. Stuart also highlighted the regional disparities in solar panel installers and which areas are "lagging behind" in terms of reaching renewable energy goals.



He explained: "The number of qualified solar installers varies significantly across the nation, with some regions, such as the East Midlands and Scotland, better served than others. "Meanwhile, certain regions are lagging behind – including the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London." The roofing expert pinpointed London as a particularly bad example as it has the fewest number of qualified installers per 100,000 households out of the whole of the UK.

This is despite it having one of the highest percentages of homeowners considering solar panels . Stuart stressed that it is not the public's reluctance to adopting the renewable energy source that is holding it, but rather flaws in training and staffing that is to blame He said: "While homeowners are increasingly drawn in by the reduced payback periods solar panels now offer, there’s a clear need for more trained and accredited installers to support accelerated adoption of the sustainable technology on the nation’s rooftops." This comes after Mr Miliband announced Great British Energy - overnment-owned renewable energy investment body that will provide £200 million in rooftop solar projects for schools and hospitals.

He said: "Right now, money that should be spent on your children’s education or your family’s healthcare is instead being wasted on sky-high energy bills. "Great British Energy’s first major project will be to help our vital public institutions save hundreds of millions on bills to reinvest on the front line." A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said: "Solar is at the heart of our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower and we have consented nearly 3GW of nationally significant solar projects since last July.

"Our transition to clean, homegrown power will also create a new generation of good jobs across the country. "The Office for Clean Energy Jobs is at the heart of these plans and will highlight the job opportunities from this transition. It will work closely with Skills England, trade unions, experts and industry to support British workers and provide the skills necessary for the clean energy jobs of the future.

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