The UK government has launched a call for evidence on installing solar canopies in car parks across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland as part of its Plan for Change.
The move aims to cut electricity costs for drivers, businesses, and public services, while supporting the country’s clean energy targets.
The Department for Energy Security & Net Zero says supermarkets, retail parks and office buildings could save up to £28,000 a year by turning car parks into “solar carports.”
Motorists could also benefit from lower charging costs as solar power helps to supply EV infrastructure.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband 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.
“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 through our Plan for Change.”
The proposal complements the government’s Fuel Finder scheme, which now moves into its first delivery phase.
The scheme will require petrol stations to share price changes within 30 minutes, aiming to save motorists 1 to 6p per litre.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said the government is “harnessing the net zero transition to give drivers more choice and help them get around with greater peace of mind.”
Ben Cox, Director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, welcomed the move:” We have already taken great steps to secure a more sustainable future… We welcome the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero’s call for evidence which will allow us to invest further.”
Solar carports are already mandatory in parts of Europe and have been successfully implemented in the UK, including at Bentley Motors, Eastbourne Hospital, and the Metrocentre in Gateshead.
