Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 25
25
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 119
If the classes of land available for ground-mounted solar are further restricted, it will make...
Recommendation
If the classes of land available for ground-mounted solar are further restricted, it will make it all the more imperative to mandate the widespread deployment of rooftop solar in new developments where there are appropriate south facing aspects. We recommend that the Future Homes Standard requires developers to fit solar PV as standard where it is possible.
Government Response Summary
The government states that its approach remains technology-neutral but that renewable energy such as solar panels are a key part of getting to net zero. It expects most developers will install solar panels or heat pumps. It will explore how it can continue to drive onsite renewable electricity generation, such as solar panels, where appropriate in new homes and buildings.
Paragraph Reference:
119
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
59. Our approach to achieving higher standards remains technology-neutral, to provide developers with the flexibility to innovate and choose the most appropriate and cost-effective solutions for their site. However, 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. 60. The Government introduced an uplift in energy efficiency standards, which came into force in June 2022. The uplift delivers a meaningful reduction in carbon emissions and provides a stepping-stone to the Future Homes Standard in 2025. We expect that in order to comply with the uplift, most developers will choose to install solar panels on new homes or use other low-carbon technology such as a heat pump. Introducing an amendment to mandate solar panels would therefore be largely redundant. 61. We will publish a full technical consultation on the Future Homes Standard later this year. As part of the consultation we will explore how we can continue to drive onsite renewable electricity generation, such as solar panels, where appropriate in new homes and buildings.