Solar Energy UK has said the industry is “deeply concerned” over recent comments about the sector made by the two Conservative Party candidates for Prime Minister.
Its chief executive Chris Hewett said Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak’s (pictured) remarks on how they dislike solar farms were not in step with public opinion.
Sunak has indicated he would restrict solar development on farmland and reverse proposed moves by the government to allow onshore wind farm development in England.
Truss reportedly pledged to “change the rules” in England to ensure farming is prioritised over new solar projects at a recent Conservative hustings.
Hewlett said: “The solar industry is deeply concerned about Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak’s recent comments on solar farms.
“They offer cheap, clean power and time and again have been proven to be popular with the public.
“Yet the two candidates for Prime Minister are falling over themselves to say how much they dislike solar farms. How did we end up in this alternate universe?
“There is a vast swell of capital ready to invest in in new solar farms.
“They cut our carbon footprint, displace extortionately expensive fossil fuels, cut bills, create jobs, benefit nature and bolster the nation’s energy security.
“Generating our own, home-grown electricity means we reduce our dependence on Russia and the Middle East. This is patently in the UK’s strategic interest.
“Truss and Sunak’s views are clearly out of line with public opinion, as independent surveys by the government itself, YouGov and Copper Consultancy have demonstrated, repeatedly.
“73% of the Conservative Party members who will select our next Prime Minister support more solar, including solar farms.”