Summary
We're seeking views on a proposal to mandate the installation of
solar canopies on new outdoor car parks, subject to certain
exemptions, as well as views around current planning policy
relating to EV charging infrastructure.
This call for evidence closes at
11:59pm on 18 June 2025
Call for evidence description
The government welcomes input and detailed evidence from
stakeholders to better understand the potential for solar canopy
installation on new outdoor car parks, as well as concerns or
views they may have around existing planning policy and Permitted
Development Rights (PDRs) in relation to
electric vehicle (EV)
charging infrastructure. This includes links to solar canopies
and energy storage systems.
Section 1: solar canopies
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. We are considering, subject to this call for
evidence, whether multi-storey car parks and residential car
parks should be in scope. We also welcome evidence and feedback
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.
Section 2: electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and
planning
This section focuses on electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, planning
and the UK'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.
The Clean Power Action Plan outlines the importance of adopting
clean power technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs) to support 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.
Read our consultation privacy
notice.
Ways to respond
Respond to
both sections online
or
Email:
For responses to section 1, email solarcorrespondence@energysecurity.gov.uk
For responses to section 2, email ozev.enquiries@ozev.gov.uk
Documents
Solar on car parks and electric
vehicle charging: call for evidence
