The UK Government has pledged to install solar panels on "every possible rooftop" as part of its strategy to scale up renewable energy and meet net-zero goals.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Energy Minister Michael Shanks reaffirmed the administration’s intention to maximise rooftop solar deployment nationwide.
“If there is a rooftop upon which solar panels can be installed, we are keen to pursue that opportunity,” said Shanks. “There is significant potential to utilise rooftops throughout the country for solar power generation.”
The commitment comes alongside recent solar carport mandates for commercial car parks and a 2027 requirement for all new homes to include solar panels. These changes align with the Government’s Clean Power 2030 agenda.
“We have outlined our aspirations for new housing and industrial buildings, and recently launched a consultation on car park installations,” Shanks said.
The Minister pointed to public support as a key driver, citing that 88% of the public supports solar energy, a figure that has “consistently remained above 80%.”
During the debate, several MPs raised concerns about the impact of large-scale solar farms on rural areas. Labour MP Terry Jermy warned that solar development on high-grade farmland is “clearly unsustainable” and urged that land graded two and above be protected for food production.
“There is three times more grade five farmland in the UK than grade one. Yet installations disproportionately occupy grade one land – by a factor of 20,” he stated.
Former Conservative Minister Sir David Davis criticised the planning process, referencing a 3,150-acre solar farm approved in East Yorkshire.
“The consultation process was cursory at best, disregarding the legitimate concerns of local residents,” he said.
Shanks defended the planning framework, insisting it is “robust and inclusive” and that community input is integral to solar development decisions.