Even in the United Kingdom, not noted for its abundance of sunshine, PV can generate electricity and there are a number of small applications already installed, are working well and are economic.

Recent studies of the potential for building-integrated PV as a significant electricity generation technology, have resulted in the UK government initiating a PV programme within the New and Renewable R&D programme. This is the responsibility of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and is managed by the Energy Technology Support Unit (ETSU). The UK PV industry is closely involved with this programme. Initially the programme will assess the potential for distributed PV electricity generation and PV n buildings in particular. It will also identify the barriers to the installation and use of PV systems. An existing commercial building is currently being renovated at the University of Northumbria, and will have 40 kWp of PV integrated into its south façade. This will be the UK's first PV demonstration building, and has received funding from the DTL, European Commission's Thermie programme and UK organizations, including the local utility, Northern Electric plc. The UK is actively contributing to the IEA  PVPS programme.

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