Drivers could soon see solar panels cover car parks across the country after Labour launched a new consultation, which could also bring electric vehicle charging reforms.
The newly-launched call for evidence from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) looks to mandate the introduction of "solar canopies" on new outdoor car parks.
This could even extend to solar canopies being seen on existing car parks above certain sizes, which could include public and private car parks.
DESNZ is looking to better understand and gather evidence about the potential benefits and costs of the proposal, as well as the impact on those who would be impacted by it.
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The two consultations could result in major changes to car parks and electric vehicle chargers
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The Clean Power Action Plan states that the UK will need at least 45-47 gigawatts by the end of the decade to ensure net zero targets are met.
Solar already provides 18GW of power, as of February 2025, which is enough to power around five million homes.
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."
A solar canopy could save around £28,000 in electricity costs
DESNZ
Estimates from the Government suggest that a car park with 80 spaces could save around £28,000 in electricity bills if they were to install solar carports and use the generated electricity.
The second call for evidence aims to look at whether current planning rules around charging on private land are appropriate and what could be done to ensure the energy included in the chargers is clean.
One of the questions looks at whether changes could be made to the planning system in relation to "EV charging installations and the associated site in residential and commercial settings, including listed buildings".
The consultation also contains details about cross-pavement charging, which could see channels or gulleys become more common around the UK.
It could also streamline processes for drivers without a dedicated driveway access home charging, as they may not require planning permission.
Future of roads minister, Lilian Greenwood, added: "We're committed to ensuring electric car drivers are always close to a charger and can save money when making the switch."
The call for evidence also looks at whether the current planning measures for on-street chargers are appropriate.
According to data from Zapmap, there are almost 80,000 public charging devices around the UK, at almost 40,000 different locations.
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There are now more than 80,000 public chargers around the UK
PATransport remains the largest emitting sector of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to 29 per cent of total UK emissions.
Road transport accounts for a staggering 89 per cent of domestic transport greenhouse gas emissions, with 54 per cent coming from cars alone.
