Solar canopies on car parks and electric vehicle charging consultation

Views sought on proposals to mandate the installation of solar canopies on new outdoor car parks.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is seeking evidence and feedback on a proposal to mandate the introduction of solar canopies on new outdoor car parks and explore opportunities for deployment on existing car parks, above a certain size.

This includes car parks in both public and private ownership. DESNZ is considering whether multi-storey car parks and residential car parks should be in scope. Evidence and feedback is welcomed on other ways that government action could increase the deployment of solar canopies on outdoor car parks and views on what further changes can be made to the planning and permitting regime when installing electric vehicle charge points.

The consultation is also considering electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, planning and the United Kingdom’s wider energy security and net-zero commitments. As transport remains the largest emitting sector of greenhouse gases, decarbonising road transport through EV adoption is critical, requiring a substantial expansion of EV charging infrastructure.  

Adopting clean power technologies such as electric vehicles is an important part of supporting the transition away from the use of fossil fuels. From 2030 onwards, further emissions reductions from clean power will come indirectly through displacing fossil fuel use in other sectors, such as transport. As with solar energy, the charging infrastructure for EVs needs to be deployed rapidly and at scale.  

Find out more about the consultation and how to respond.

First published 12 May 2025