Overview

• The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has launched a call for evidence on mandating solar panels for new car parks, with potential extensions to existing sites under review.
• Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasized the financial and environmental benefits, estimating an 80-space car park could save £28,000 annually in electricity costs.
• Officials are also considering whether solar-powered car parks could offer cheaper charging rates for electric vehicle drivers.
• This initiative builds on the UK’s clean power action plan and aligns with international examples like France’s solar canopy mandates for car parks by 2026 and 2028.
• Key challenges include addressing grid connection constraints as the UK aims to expand solar capacity from 17GW to 45–47GW by 2030.