255. Throughout the Review, stakeholders highlighted the need for clear guidance on regulatory processes and support available. In part, this related to the need for clear guidance, for example by central government to local authorities on the processes to follow (such as permitted development rights for smaller solar rooftop projects - see also above). Respondents also called for well sign-posted guidance by relevant authorities on what information would need to be included in applications. While many of these guidance documents exist, stakeholders often raised the general lack of awareness of these.
256. The Review takes the view that Government, in cooperation with relevant authorities, should consider how to raise awareness, including through running targeted information campaigns. In some areas, there may also still be the need to develop more guidance, for example more specific guidance for conservation areas or new rules and standards to prevent overshadowing of solar panels.
257. Many also stressed the importance of such guidance for households and small businesses that may be less familiar with processes and might be unsure who to employ. Government should work with local authorities, industry and certification bodies to explore how listings of certified installers in an area could be made publicly available.
258. SMEs involved in the renewable sector may also require specific support and guidance. Some stakeholders highlighted that the Government could do more to support SMEs. RenewableUK for example pointed out that "many SMEs don't have a network to establish 'local partnerships' or the scale to create foreign subsidiaries,"216 calling for increased resource for DIT to help SMEs sell their products and services to export markets.