Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make it his policy to assess unused potential for solar energy on (a) domestic and (b) commercial roof space; if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the report by CPRE The Countryside Charity entitled, Shout from the rooftops: delivering a common sense solar revolution, published in May 2023; what steps he is taking to increase the amount of roof space used for creating solar energy; and if he will make a statement.

The Government is aiming for 70 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2035, which will require a significant increase in both ground-mount and rooftop solar. Extensive deployment of rooftop solar on domestic, industrial, and commercial property to make effective use of available surfaces is a priority. Current support includes the Smart Export Guarantee and various fiscal incentives, including business rate exemptions and tax allowances. The Government is consulting on simplifying planning for installing solar in commercial settings and on carports. The new Government/Industry Solar Taskforce will focus on further measures to unlock the potential of rooftop solar.