The Countryside Alliance welcomes the government’s renewed commitment to clean energy and the move to mandate solar panels on almost all new homes by 2027. This is a positive and pragmatic step towards net zero that aligns with our longstanding position: rooftop solar must be the first port of call for expanding the UK’s renewable energy capacity.

While we fully support the transition to a low-carbon future, we have consistently called for a rooftop-first policy that prioritises the use of existing built environments, such as new homes, commercial buildings, and car parks, before resorting to the development of greenfield sites and productive farmland for solar infrastructure.

Installing solar panels during construction is both efficient and cost-effective. The estimated additional cost is around £3,300 for a semi-detached or terraced house, and just under £4,000 for a detached property. According to the announcement, this would be recouped within approximately four years, with households saving more than £1,000 annually on energy bills. This represents a win-win for homeowners and the environment.

However, we would like clarity on whether this announcement will be extended to include commercial and industrial buildings in the solar rollout. Warehouses, factories, retail centres and other large-scale rooftops across the country offer enormous untapped potential for solar generation often with fewer technical barriers than residential installations. Prioritising these sites alongside housing would accelerate renewable energy growth while preserving our countryside for food production and biodiversity.

According to research, up to 60% of the UK’s solar power needs could be met through rooftop installations alone. Making better use of these spaces reduces pressure on rural landscapes, safeguards farmland, and helps protect vital habitats, all while maximising the productivity of land that is already developed.

Sarah Lee, Director of Policy at the Countryside Alliance, said:

"We welcome this move to mandate rooftop solar on new homes, but urge the government to go further. A rooftop-first strategy must include commercial and public buildings, which offer vast potential for clean energy generation. Solar deployment should not come at the cost of our countryside or food security when so much suitable roof space already exists.”

We now call on the government to embed a clear rooftop-first principle across all solar deployment strategies and ensure a more balanced, efficient, and sustainable transition to clean energy.

We look forward to working with policymakers to ensure that the drive toward net zero does not come at the expense of our countryside.