In May 2025, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) launched a consultation on a proposal to mandate the introduction of solar canopies on new outdoor car parks. This process is now coming to a head, with a policy direction due by October.
The call for evidence explored opportunities for deployment on existing car parks above a certain size, including car parks in both public and private ownership, and considered whether multi-storey and residential car parks should also be included.
The Government also sought feedback on:
It noted that transport remains the UK’s largest emitting sector of greenhouse gases, and that decarbonising road transport through EV adoption is "critical," requiring a substantial expansion of the charging infrastructure.
“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,”
said Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.
“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.”
Solar carports are already mandatory in some European countries, including France and Slovenia, where they provide an abundance of lower-cost renewable electricity.
Initial estimates suggest that an 80-space car park could save around £28,000 per year in electricity bills by installing solar carports and using all the electricity generated.
The consultation is also seeking evidence on:
“We’re committed to ensuring electric car drivers are always close to a charger and can save money when making the switch,”
added Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood.
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