S01E5: What You Need to Know About Tariffs and Solar Energy Policy

In episode five of The OpenSolar Podcast, Birchy speaks with Sonia Dunlop, CEO of the Global Solar Council, and Professor Andrew Crossland of Durham University. Together, they explore how to scale solar and storage globally — tackling grid constraints, trade barriers and the need for a skilled workforce to power the clean energy transition.

Also available to stream on Apple and Spotify.

Solar’s global challenge needs a global response

Solar and storage are no longer fringe technologies. They’re intensely political, sitting at the heart of debates about energy security, climate policy and economic growth. The Global Solar Council, under Sonia’s leadership, exists to give the industry a unified voice in these discussions.

“We’re aiming for eight terawatts of installed capacity by 2030,” she explains. “But beyond the numbers, we need to ensure this growth benefits everyone — from rural communities in developing markets to urban centres in Europe and the US.”

The Council’s work spans everything from grid integration to workforce development. It’s a reminder that scaling solar isn’t just about installing more panels; it’s about creating systems, policies and markets that allow clean energy to flourish.

Making clean energy a basic right

Andrew Crossland has spent his career looking for ways to make the energy transition tangible for households. For him, access to solar and storage shouldn’t be a privilege.

“Everyone should have the right to these technologies,” he says. “The right to install them on their homes, sell excess power back to the grid, and be paid fairly for supporting the system.”

This vision is taking shape through the Electric Bill of Rights — a framework for fair access, transparent grid rules and compensation for grid services. Supporting it is the Electric Protocol, a practical roadmap to remove friction and unlock mass adoption.

“The tools are here,” Andrew says. “The barriers we face are entirely man-made.”

Why tariffs won’t stop solar’s momentum

Recent US tariffs on solar imports have reignited debate about trade and energy policy. While these measures are designed to protect domestic industries, their impact on solar’s growth is complex.

Sonia remains optimistic. “We’re a flexible, resourceful industry. Fundamental economics still favour solar.”

Andrew puts it more bluntly: “It’s not a tariff. It’s a tax on the American consumer.”

Both agree that the ultimate solution lies in affordability and accessibility. When rooftop solar and home batteries become the default choice for households, political roadblocks lose their power.

“Lower bills resonate across the political spectrum,” Sonia adds. “That’s a message any government can get behind.”

A future powered by rooftops and batteries

As more homes and businesses adopt solar, grid flexibility becomes critical. In the UK, Andrew’s digital twin modelling shows the potential of distributed systems. With mass deployment of rooftop solar and batteries, 95% of the country’s energy demand could be met without burning gas by 2030.

“Even in rainy Britain, the numbers stack up,” Andrew says. “Humble home batteries could soon back up 75% of peak demand, transforming how we think about grid resilience.”

This decentralised approach isn’t just about energy security. It’s about creating a system where households and businesses are active participants, generating, storing and sharing clean energy.

Scaling people power

With over seven million people already working in solar globally, the industry is set to become one of the largest job creators of the decade. Sonia predicts that figure could climb to 100 million as installations accelerate.

“Every panel has to be installed by human hands,” she says. “This isn’t just clean energy. It’s local jobs in every town and city.”

The challenge now is ensuring those jobs come with proper training and safety standards. The Global Solar Council’s training initiatives aim to professionalise the sector, reduce incidents and guarantee quality as the industry scales.

“Tariffs shrink industries. Training grows them,” Birchy observes. “If we want vibrant local economies, investing in people is non-negotiable.”

A call to action for a fairer energy future

Solar is no longer about waiting for breakthroughs. The technology is here. The economics are sound. What’s needed now is collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders and local communities.

“Solar isn’t just about electrons,” Sonia says. “It’s about empowerment — lowering bills, creating jobs and giving people control of their energy future.”

Birchy’s message is clear: “Support the Global Solar Council. Together, we can deliver a clean energy transition that works for everyone.”