Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Floating Solar Panels 2025-06-26

26 June 2025 · 8 other contributors

Opened by Lincoln Jopp Con Spelthorne

ClimateEnergyEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Lincoln Jopp raised concerns about floating solar panels 2025-06-26 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Floating solar panels involve attaching solar panels to plastic floats anchored in reservoirs.
  • This technology generates renewable energy and reduces water evaporation.
  • The UK has a demonstrator project at Queen Elizabeth II reservoir that powers 2000 homes.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Lincoln Jopp Con Spelthorne

I am delighted to discuss the concept of floating solar panels, which involves attaching solar panels to plastic floats and anchoring them in reservoirs. This technology not only generates renewable energy but also reduces evaporation from water bodies, conserves water resources, and enhances agricultural land use efficiency. It addresses the conflict between food security and energy security by utilizing non-agricultural areas such as reservoirs. The UK already has a demonstrator project on the Queen Elizabeth II reservoir that powers 2,000 homes efficiently without visual impact from the ground level.

Other contributors (8)
  • John Cooper Con Dumfries and Galloway

    Floating solar panels help combat evaporation due to their positioning on water surfaces.

  • Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest

    We must protect prime agricultural land and ensure that solar panels are placed in appropriate locations like reservoirs.

  • Mark Francois Con Rayleigh and Wickford

    Many other reservoirs across the country would be ideal for floating solar technology, including one in my constituency before boundary changes.

  • Ben Obese-Jecty Con Huntingdon

    Grafham water, a large reservoir in Huntingdon, could benefit from floating solar panels instead of land-based systems.

  • Ian Roome LD North Devon

    Floating solar reduces evaporation and conserves water supply by preventing direct sunlight exposure on water surfaces.

  • John Cooper Con West Lancashire

    Supports the case for floating solar, highlighting potential benefits like improved water quality and habitat enhancement.

  • Ben Obese-Jecty

    Highlights a large reservoir project in his constituency as an opportunity to test floating solar technology on a significant scale.

  • The hon. and gallant Gentleman Name not provided

    Has talked about the benefits for the grid, water quality, consumers of electricity and, ultimately, climate change.

Government Response

Minister for Climate Change

The Government recognises the potential of floating solar technology to enhance renewable energy generation while also offering environmental benefits such as reduced evaporation and improved water quality. We have been monitoring pilot projects like the one at Queen Elizabeth II reservoir and are encouraged by their success. The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is actively exploring policy measures that could facilitate wider adoption of floating solar technology in suitable locations across the UK. This includes reviewing regulatory frameworks to streamline deployment processes and potentially offering financial incentives through various funding streams such as the Renewable Heat Incentive or Contracts for Difference schemes. The Government remains committed to supporting innovations that contribute towards achieving net-zero emissions while ensuring sustainable water management practices. The Minister acknowledges the potential of floating solar technology but notes challenges such as higher costs compared to ground-mounted projects. She mentions ongoing work with industry to encourage deployment, including eligibility for contracts for difference schemes despite none being successful due to high costs. The Government aims to invest in research and development to bring down costs and unlock the technology's potential. She also addresses concerns about agricultural land use, noting that only a small fraction of UK land is currently covered by ground-mounted solar panels. Finally, she commits to engaging extensively with industry on how to address barriers for floating solar deployment. We are working on a solar road map which will be published soon. While I cannot disclose details, floating solar is an area we recognise as exciting with huge potential for deployment in the UK. We want to engage industry to ensure that floating solar technology can be cost-effective and deployed efficiently. Our commitment is to work closely with industry experts to build up our clean power sector.

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