Massive changes could soon be coming to car parks and electric vehicle charging stations around the UK as a consultation, which ends today, could see Ed Miliband's net zero dreams realised.
Drivers were invited in May to respond to a call for evidence from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) about whether outdoor car parks should be required to install canopies covered in solar panels.
The call for evidence looks at the potential benefits, costs and impacts on businesses the proposal would have. It also looks at the feasibility of introducing such measures and making existing car parks install solar panels.
The call for evidence also looks at whether multi-storey car parks and residential car parks should be in scope should also be included in scope.
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A consultation on whether solar canopies over car parks should become the norm will end today
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Estimates put forward by DESNZ suggest that a car park with 80 spaces could help businesses save £28,000 in electricity bills.
Commenting on the call for evidence, 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."
There are estimated to be between 40,000 and 50,000 private car parking sites across Great Britain, with many of these potentially seeing solar panels installed in the coming years, if the plans are moved forward.
Estimates suggest solar canopies could save around £28,000 in electricity costs
DESNZNew data suggests that Britain could unlock up to 13GW of solar capacity, which estimates suggest could be enough to power millions of homes without taking up new land for solar farms.
The proposal from Ed Miliband takes inspiration from France and the United States. Laws were introduced in France two years ago that required large car parks to install solar panels.
Many major supermarkets and commercial developers also introduced solar panels to their projects to provide green power and meet environmental targets.
Wolf River Electric, an American solar panel company, has highlighted the benefits of such a scheme, arguing that it would not take up any extra land and repurpose existing space.
They also noted that the vast majority of car parks that would be included in these new plans are already situated in areas where electricity demand is naturally higher.
The consultation combines the viability of introducing solar canopies as sustainable features with the growing demand for electric vehicle chargers.
At present, there are almost 81,000 EV charging points across the UK, with experts forecasting that the 100,000 target will be hit this year. The Government aims to have 300,000 chargers by the end of the decade.
Justin Nielsen, solar expert at Wolf River Electric, said: "Solar carports are no longer a futuristic concept. At this point, they're a practical, dual-purpose solution that addresses both energy efficiency and sustainability goals.
Solar panel canopies are already used across the world, including in France, Germany and the United States
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"Some may argue that the initial investment is substantial. However, the long-term savings and benefits, both financial and environmental, far outweigh the upfront costs.
"Solar carports exemplify how infrastructure can serve multiple purposes: providing energy, shelter, and sustainability.
"As we navigate the challenges of energy costs and environmental responsibility, embracing such innovative solutions is not just beneficial, but essential."
Motorists have until 11.59pm today (Wednesday, June 18) to respond to the solar canopy car park call for evidence on the GOV.UK website.
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