Solar energy would be 50% less costly than the Hinkley nuclear station in a 35-year lifetime.

A report from Solar Trade Association (STA) claims choosing solar energy over nuclear would save consumers around £15 billion during the same period.

Solar would also provide as much power as the nuclear station, the report added.

The option is “considerably more cost-effective”, it stated.

The report follows the UK Government’s decision to reduce support for solar projects and invest £2 billion in the nuclear plant.

Mike Landy, Head of Policy at the STA said: “We are not saying that solar is the solution to all our energy problems nor that it could completely replace other technologies. However the government needs to explain why it is drastically cutting support for solar energy whilst offering double the subsidy to Hinkley Point C.

“It also needs to explain why it is championing overseas state-backed utilities over British solar companies which given stable support would have considerable growth prospects.”