A consultation into whether solar canopies on new outdoor car parks should be enforced is underway.
The call for evidence by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), is also exploring whether solar canopies could be installed on existing car parks, including those in private and public ownership, multistorey facilities and residential settings.
The Government is also inviting feedback from relevant stakeholders on additional ways to increase the use and rollout of solar canopies. On top of this, they are welcoming views on how the planning and permitting regime can be adapted when installing electric vehicle charging points.
Speaking on the consultation, Ed Miliband, the energy secretary said: “Right now, the sun is shining on hundreds of thousands of car parking spaces across the country which could be used to power our homes and businesses.”
Some European countries, including France and Slovenia, have already deployed mandatory solar carports and are reaping the benefits. The consultation is calling for stakeholders to submit evidence on the potential benefits of solar carports but early estimates suggest that a solar canopy over a 80-space car park could save around £28,000 per year.
With businesses able to offset costs through power purchase agreements, these projects could prove to be both lucrative and environmentally beneficial.
Miliband added: “We want to work with businesses and car park operators to turn our car parks into solar carports to save families and businesses money with clean, homegrown British energy.”
