The latest round of Contracts for Difference (CfD) auctions has set a new record for solar energy support.
In the sixth allocation round, 93 ground-based solar projects, totalling 3,288MW, have been awarded contracts.
This is a significant increase from the 66 projects awarded in the previous round.
The newly awarded projects include a large solar farm, Longfield in Hertfordshire, which has received a contract for 299MW of its planned 420MW.
The CfD strike price for solar power this round is £50.07 per megawatt-hour.
This auction round also saw significant support for offshore wind, though solar projects received a notable share of the contracts.
The prices for both solar and wind power remain below the current wholesale electricity costs.
Solar Energy UK Director of Policy and Delivery Gemma Grimes said: “It is hugely encouraging to see an unprecedented volume of solar generation capacity contracted, enough to put a meaningful dent into future electricity prices.
“Similar levels of contracted capacity will be needed each year to meet our net zero ambitions.”
