Solar Car Parks to Power Britain’s EV Push

The Government proposes solar canopies for new car parks to power EV chargers and ease pressure on the national grid.

12 May 2025

Britain’s car parks may soon serve a dual purpose. On May 7th, the government launched a consultation on plans to require all newly built outdoor car parks to include solar-panel canopies. The goal is to transform these idle expanses into sources of renewable energy while supporting the country’s growing fleet of electric vehicles (EVs).

The proposal seeks views from developers, planners and industry bodies on making solar roofs a standard feature. The aim is to produce local electricity to power EV chargers, cutting demand on the national grid and speeding up the shift to cleaner transport. Heritage sites and architecturally sensitive locations would be exempt, with separate discussions underway on easing planning rules to smooth the rollout.

Government ministers highlight the dual gains of the scheme: more renewable energy and cheaper, more accessible EV charging. “Solar car parks are a simple, effective way to make clean energy work harder for drivers,” said energy-security officials.

Developers have welcomed the idea. Large firms called it a sensible step towards a greener, more resilient energy system. Yet concerns persist, particularly over upfront costs and design challenges for smaller operators. In response, the government is weighing lighter planning processes and possible funding through the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles.

If implemented, the policy could unlock hundreds of megawatts in distributed solar, powering rapid chargers in urban areas. With smart charging and energy management, operators could lower costs, earn from surplus energy, and give EV drivers a greener option.

The proposal reflects a broader push to align building policy with transport decarbonisation. Turning car parks into energy hubs would not only ease the path for EV adoption but help Britain’s energy transition, one rooftop at a time.