PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Housing: Solar Power (1 November 2021)

Renewable energy, such as that generated from solar panels is a key part of our strategy to get to net zero via a decarbonised electricity grid. We must therefore take the opportunity, where appropriate, to fit solar panels.

However, many homes may not be suitable for solar panels - perhaps because of shading, the orientation of the building, the shape/size of the roof or visual amenity.

Our approach to drive decarbonisation in buildings will see a tightening of energy efficiency standards with an interim 2021 Part L building standards uplift paving the way for the Future Homes Standard in 2025 which will ensure that new homes produce at least 75% lower CO2 emissions compared to those built to current standards.

Our approach remains technology-neutral and developers will therefore retain the flexibility they need to use the materials and technologies that suit the circumstances of a site and their business to achieve these targets. This includes the use of solar panels where appropriate.