The UK is aiming to produce 45-47 GW of solar power by 2030 as part of its goal to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
But, unlike many of European neighbours, the UK doesn’t have a solar mandate to ensure public, private and residential buildings, and car parks incorporate solar energy systems to encourage us to become energy producers.
The EU adopted the EU Solar Standard in the European Parliament within the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive in 2024.
The new law means new building work needs to integrate solar installations, and public bodies have to retrospectively install solar panels on their buildings from 2026.
However, some countries including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, and Belgium are already well ahead in their solar ambitions, having introduced earlier mandates and measures.
Outside Europe, China leads the way with solar installations providing a huge 710 GW of solar capacity as of June 2024.
At the end of 2024, the government published its Clean Power Action Plan 2030: A new era of clean electricity, setting out its proposal to reform the UK’s energy system.
As well as recognising the necessity to strengthen the UK’s national grid infrastructure, it also highlighted the potential of installing ‘solar canopies’ on outdoor carparks to provide clean electricity and electric vehicle charging.
As a result, the government is set to call for evidence in 2025 on the potential of solar carports to help the UK reach its net zero targets.
The government has also relaunched the Solar Taskforce to show its commitment to accelerating the delivery of solar energy across the country and innovation.
In addition, the government is currently considering house building regulations called the Future Homes Standard, set to come in in 2025, to ensure new homes emit 75-80 per cent less carbon and which could see solar energy being widely incorporated.
Mandates are great at encouraging widespread adoption of renewable technology and increase energy security when faced with unstable fossil fuel markets.
Not only do they increase energy independence, but they provide clean power, cut bills and most importantly, our overall carbon footprint to help combat climate change.
Another bonus is the regulations give a massive boost to the number of EV charging networks across countries.
Widespread adoption can encourage more technological innovation especially if there is access to public research funds.
This is the case in China, who produces nearly 80 per cent of solar panels in the world, and whose solar energy companies had access to government subsidies and tax incentives.
Conversely, it’s also recognised that solar mandates may have the opposite effect on innovation and stifle it by mandating one specific technology.
This is because it may create a race to the bottom where people go for the cheapest, not the most efficient option whilst ignoring newer, more expensive technological advances.
A solar mandate could be costly for businesses, potentially slowing economic growth because of the initial outlay. However, any investment in solar energy reaps lower energy costs over the long term.
Critics also argue that without bolstering our national grid, the UK would not be able to cope with a huge increase in solar energy because it is already working at capacity in some areas.
However, one way we could increase capacity is for homeowners and businesses to install batteries to store excess electricity.
Considering much of the world is turning to solar energy to provide energy security and produce clean energy, it is likely that the UK may follow suit.
Currently, the Solar Taskforce is drawing up a new solar roadmap which focuses on ethical supply chains and a skilled workforce to scale up installations of solar energy and is set to announce next steps in 2025. Contact us today if you have any questions about this topic or regarding any solar carport projects.