At the 2024 edition of Solar & Storage Live UK, Edward Morello, MP for West Dorset, spoke to Solar&StorageXtra about the UK government’s impact on the solar sector.
Edward dove into how local authorities and the main government can work together to support the industry, the prosperous growth of the UK’s solar market, and his several-year-long relationship with the Solar & Storage Live show.
Interview with Edward Morello, MP for West Dorset, UK
“There’s nothing more reliable than the sun rising tomorrow. Solar generation guarantees affordable, local energy. We need to push that message.”
Xtra: Why is future-proofing the solar industry so important?
Edward: We’ve seen enormous growth in this sector over the last few years. It reflects the confidence the industry has in the UK renewable market and growing consumer trust in the transition to renewables.
Supporting the industry is key to decarbonising our economy and achieving net zero. It’s crucial that we back the sector, especially our domestic manufacturers, many of whom are here today.
Xtra: Can you tell us about your presentation at Solar & Storage Live?
Edward: Solar Energy UK kindly invited me to share my thoughts. Before I was elected to Parliament, I worked in the solar sector for nearly a decade, so this was a good opportunity to talk about the risks and opportunities ahead.
We need to be critical friends. The sector should tell Parliament what it needs from the government, and Parliament should communicate the changes it wants to see. Achieving net zero will only happen if we work hand in hand.
Xtra: What legislation should the UK’s solar industry be watching closely?
Edward: The Labour government is proposing legislation to create GB Energy, a state or partially state-owned clean energy company. That’s a big step forward. I personally support state ownership of generation assets to reduce our reliance on imports, especially from high-risk countries where energy prices are affected by geopolitical tensions.
There’s nothing more reliable than the sun rising tomorrow. Solar generation guarantees affordable, local energy. We need to push that message – this transition isn’t about covering the country in solar panels but about delivering lower energy bills for households.
Xtra: How do you see the UK’s solar industry evolving over the next decade?
Edward: There’s huge potential for UK solar. We’re seeing some fantastic British businesses growing rapidly and proudly carrying the Made in Britain badge.
We need to support domestic manufacturers. Of course, some components will always come from abroad, but wherever possible, manufacturing at home is a win for Britain.
Xtra: What drove you to speak at Solar & Storage Live?
Edward: I’ve been in the solar sector for nearly a decade and have been coming here for years. I remember when we were just a small corner of the room – you could walk around the whole event in two hours. It’s amazing to see how much it’s grown.
Ultimately, I’m here to show support for domestic manufacturers and the sector as a whole. There are voices for this industry in Parliament. We’ll help you grow, we’ll help the economy decarbonise – but we need to do it together.
Missed out on Solar & Storage Live, or want to come back for more? Don’t miss the London edition from 2-3 April 2025 – or find a Solar & Storage Live event closer to home.
