Plans for solar panels on all new homes a big campaign win

Solar panels are to be fitted on all new-build homes in England by 2027, under plans to be announced by ministers. The news is a big campaign win for CPRE.

In the past two years, thousands of our supporters have taken part in our campaign, calling on the government to set new and ambitious targets for clean energy across the country. In January this year, over 10,000 of our supporters backed our call for the government to adopt the Sunshine Bill – a law that would see solar panels installed on all new suitable homes.

What’s more, recent YouGov polling shows this view is widespread: 82% of the public support rooftop solar on new homes and commercial buildings.

CPRE’s CEO, Roger Mortlock, said: ‘This is a positive step and shows that taking climate action doesn’t have to come at the expense of a thriving countryside. CPRE has long campaigned for rooftop solar panels to be made compulsory on all new-build homes. The UK’s millions of roofs have the potential to generate huge amounts of cheap and sustainable energy, slash people’s bills and ensure we make the best use of our finite supply of land.

‘Net zero is non-negotiable, with solar power a key part of our energy mix. We urge the government to set a target for generating at least 60% of the UK’s solar energy from rooftops.

‘We’ve wasted the potential of our rooftops for too long, we still want to see rooftop solar rolled out across warehouses, car parks, and existing homes. At the same time, mega solar risks being allowed to damage natural landscapes and productive farmland. Today’s announcement helps restore the right balance.’