I am aware that solar is one of the cheapest forms of electricity generation and it presents one important way to ensure our energy independence and green transition over the coming years. As part of the Energy Security Strategy, Ministers have been looking to increase the UK’s current 14GW of solar capacity, which could grow up to five times by 2035.
Whilst it is right that we try and see more solar farms across the country, the Government also recognises the need to protect our most valuable agricultural land so that it can produce food for the nation and increase our food security. Thanks to changes made by the Government, the planning system sets this out explicitly with a clear preference for brownfield sites. However, I understand that where greenfield sites or high-grade land are used, developers are required to justify using such land and to design their projects to avoid, mitigate and, where necessary, compensate for any impacts.
More widely, Ministers are extending the VAT relief available for the installation of energy saving materials (ESMs). This relief is being increased further by introducing a time-limited zero rate for the installation of ESMs. A typical family having roof top solar panels installed will save more than £1,000 in total on installation, and then £300 annually on their energy bills.
Further, the Government supported over 830,000 small solar projects through the Feed-in Tariff between 2010 and 2019. This has helped cut the cost of household solar panels by more than half since 2011. Through the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive, households that use solar water heating could get money towards renewable heating costs in their home.