UK Solar Manufacturing: Could Local Production Solve the Panel Shortage
Date added: Fri 09 May 2025
Over the past few years, global supply chain disruptions have sent ripples through the renewable energy market, from rising material costs to panel shortages in Europe and the UK. As demand for solar surges, the question of how to build a more resilient and localised supply chain is becoming increasingly urgent. Could local UK solar manufacturing be part of the answer?
Global shortages, particularly from China, have contributed to price hikes and longer delivery times for some suppliers. Customers working with us continue to benefit from careful forward-planning, established supplier relationships and transparent project timelines. As one of Scotland’s trusted renewable energy companies, we help homeowners navigate the evolving solar market confidently, offering solutions designed to avoid delays and deliver long-term energy savings.
Local manufacturing could enhance this picture even further. With domestic production, the UK would reduce its reliance on volatile global markets, cut transport emissions, shorten supply chains and unlock green job creation. In Scotland, this opportunity aligns perfectly with the country’s ambitious net zero targets, set for 2045. Scotland’s leadership in renewables, particularly wind, is well known, but expanding into solar manufacturing could bring a new wave of innovation and economic growth.
Local initiatives, such as the Photovoltaics Centre of Excellence in Wales and various solar manufacturers across Scotland, indicate that the UK is beginning to lay the foundations for more domestic solar production. Some Scottish manufacturers have already been producing solar thermal panels for several years. At The Natural Energy Company, we’re well positioned to connect customers with high-performing, future-ready technologies—sourced from both local and global suppliers. However, challenges remain. Manufacturing costs in the UK are still higher than in Asia and the infrastructure for raw materials, such as silicon, is limited. Expanding domestic production will require coordinated investment, policy incentives and public-private collaboration. Importantly, Scotland has the opportunity to tap into its skilled workforce and renewable leadership to become a competitive hub in the solar supply chain.
For homeowners, local manufacturing could bring meaningful advantages such as greater price stability, faster installation timelines and improved service and support. With UK-based production, warranties and replacement parts could also become more accessible, strengthening long-term system reliability. We are already helping customers across Scotland navigate these market dynamics, offering expert advice on system choices and helping households lock in competitive rates and secure installations, even in a shifting global landscape.
Looking ahead, realistic estimates suggest that domestic manufacturers could meet a small but growing share of UK solar demand over the next five to ten years. While local production won’t replace overseas imports overnight, even supplying 10–20% of demand would improve resilience and reduce future bottlenecks. To get there, government support will be key, from subsidies and R&D funding to procurement policies that prioritise homegrown clean tech. For Scotland, this could also support the just transition commission, bringing jobs and investment to rural communities. Ultimately, local solar manufacturing represents an exciting opportunity for Scotland and the UK, but for today’s homeowners, the smartest move is to act now. At The Natural Energy Company, we are here to help you future-proof your home, cut your carbon footprint and access the best available technologies without waiting on what’s next. Whether you’re interested in rooftop solar, battery storage, or smart energy solutions, our team can guide you through every step and we’ll keep you informed as local production continues to grow.
If you want to secure your system before the next market shift, or just want to explore your options, reach out to us today.