Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rooftop Solar Panels

Tuesday 4 July 2023 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Laurence Robertson asked about mandating solar panels on new buildings to achieve net zero and reduce costs.
  • The response indicated support for solar panels through incentives and the solar taskforce, highlighting progress in renewables.
  • Stephen Doughty praised a housing project in Cardiff with solar panels and sought recognition for the work done by local councils and the Welsh Government.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Laurence Robertson Con
Climate Energy
Context

The MP is concerned about the lack of progress in increasing rooftop solar installations despite efforts to persuade governments.

Question

For years, I have been trying to persuade Governments of all colours to change building regulations to require all new buildings to be fitted with solar panels. That would secure supply, reduce household bills and help towards net zero. Why do we not do it?

Answer from Grant Shapps

The Government supports the installation of rooftop solar through financial incentives, performance standards, and the solar taskforce. The UK has increased renewables from 6.9% to 43% over a period, and there is a balance between being prescriptive with building codes and ensuring speedy progress on all commercial rooftops.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about regulations for new buildings was not directly addressed.

How: We Need To Ensure That It Is Part Of The Building Code, But We Also Want To Make Sure That Other Forms Of Renewables Can Be Installed.

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Q2 Laurence Robertson Con
Climate Energy
Context

The MP is concerned about the lack of progress in increasing rooftop solar installations despite efforts to persuade governments.

Question

For years, I have been trying to persuade Governments of all colours to change building regulations to require all new buildings to be fitted with solar panels. That would secure supply, reduce household bills and help towards net zero. Why do we not do it?

Answer from Grant Shapps

I am a great enthusiast for solar panels and want to see more people install them. Over the past period, renewables have increased from 6.9% to 43%. We are keen for this expansion to go further and faster, ensuring it is part of building codes while also not being too prescriptive.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about regulations for new buildings was not directly addressed.

How: We Need To Ensure That It Is Part Of The Building Code, But We Also Want To Make Sure That Other Forms Of Renewables Can Be Installed.

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Q3 Stephen Doughty Labour (Co-op) Cardiff South and Penarth
Housing Wales Energy
Context

The MP recently visited a housing project with solar panels, ground source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points, and battery technology, which reduced bills for residents.

Question

I visited an innovative housing project with solar panels, ground source heat pumps, EV charging points, and battery technology. Will the Secretary of State join me in praising Cardiff's Labour council and the Welsh Government for this work, and explain what we are doing to ensure greater manufacture of these technologies?

Answer from Grant Shapps

I am delighted that the Barnett formula provides for excellent additions in buildings. No Government has gone further and faster than this one in introducing renewables and ensuring they power a significant part of our grid.

Not addressed: The specific ask about praising Cardiff's Labour council and efforts to boost manufacturing was not addressed.

How: Of Course, I Am Delighted That The Barnett Formula Stretches So Far In Providing Some Of The Excellent Additions To Those Buildings.

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