Pressure mounts on government to put an end to the controversially persistent practice of constructing new homes without incorporating solar panel installations.
The government's inaction on making solar panels standard in new homes is being harshly criticized, and rightly so. According to experts, this move would slash energy bills and decrease greenhouse gases responsible for climate change. The Local Government Association (LGA) has strongly recommended makes it compulsory, stating it would be a win-win for both homeowners and the environment.
As it stands, only four out of ten new homes in England come with solar power, according to Solar Energy UK. While this is a significant improvement compared to a year ago, the LGA believes mandating solar power would lead to long-term benefits for consumers and the climate. They predict it could save homeowners an impressive £440 annually.
Compared to its EU neighbors, the UK lags far behind, as EU countries recently passed legislation requiring all new residential buildings to feature solar panels from 2030. Greenpeace UK labelled this omission as a "scandal," emphasizing the pressing need for solar panels on new homes, given soaring electricity costs, the urgent need to decrease global warming emissions, and the relatively cheap installation cost for builders.
In a bid to address climate change and achieve net-zero emissions, the government has aims to ensure all UK electricity comes from green sources by 2030. This increase in electricity demand, due to factors like the switch to electric vehicles and heating, and more data centres, necessitates the creation of more wind and solar farms, as well as new cables to transport the electricity. In some regions, there's intense debate over whether to install overhead cables or bury them underground to protect the countryside.
A new report by the Institution of Engineering and Technology found that, on average, underground cables are 4.5 times more expensive than overhead lines. It's crucial to weigh these costs and ensure the benefits of clean infrastructure outweigh the expenses to make an informed decision. The government has pledged to give households near new pylons a reduction of £2,500 on their energy bills over a ten-year period as compensation for disruptions caused by new infrastructure.
In summary, making solar panels a requirement in new homes in England could result in considerable savings on homeowners' energy bills while reducing emissions that contribute to climate change. With EU countries already implementing this policy, the UK should take a similar step to remain competitive and play its part in fostering a greener future.
- The failure of the UK government to mandate solar panels in new homes is heavily criticized, as it is deemed a significant opportunity to cut energy expenses and greenhouse gas emissions linked to climate change.
- As per Solar Energy UK, only 40% of new homes in England currently include solar power, but the Local Government Association suggests making it mandatory could yield long-term advantages for both homeowners and the environment.
- The LGA predicts that this requirement could save homeowners an estimated £440 annually, but the UK trails behind its EU neighbors, who have passed legislation mandating solar panels in new residential buildings from 2030.
- The UK government's objective to ensure all electricity comes from green sources by 2030 will increase electricity demand, necessitating the expansion of wind and solar farms, and installation of new cables to transport electricity.
- A report by the Institution of Engineering and Technology states that underground cables are 4.5 times more expensive than overhead lines, and it's essential to assess these costs to ensure sustainable infrastructure investments are worthwhile.
- To address climate change and achieve net-zero emissions, the UK should consider mandating solar panels in new homes, as done by EU countries, to remain competitive and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future while promoting energy savings for homeowners.
