With a greater awareness of climate change among scientists and members of the public, there is considerable debate around energy sources and how to increase cleaner, renewable sources. One suggestion that has strong support, according to a recent poll, is for all new houses to have solar panels.
Why use solar panels?
Using solar power would reduce the UK’s dependence on gas and oil from countries such as Russia, something that would be highly advantageous in today’s volatile political climate. It is also a clean power source that can help the UK reach the targets needed to tackle climate change, something that is currently a threat to food security, livelihoods and ecosystems.
It is thought that across the UK, there is enough unused roof space to support 117 GW of solar energy capacity, surpassing the government’s target of 70GW. Investment in rooftop solar could also help create jobs in this sector.
Installing solar panels on new homes is easier than retrofitting them on existing homes, but many existing homes are also suitable, with owners enjoying the energy savings that solar panels bring. If this is something that interests you, do an internet search to see what companies in your area are fitting solar panels. If you use a relevant search term like ‘solar panel installation Portishead’, if you are in that region, you should get results such as https://redbridgeandsons.co.uk/solar-pv-panels/solar-panel-installation-portishead.
The poll
The recent poll carried out by YouGov on behalf of the countryside charity CPRE found that 82% of respondents would support the installation of rooftop solar on all new commercial and residential buildings. Among Labour voters, the support is even higher at 89%.
However, a recent Private Member’s Bill failed to pass in Parliament – dubbed the Sunshine Bill, it would make it mandatory to install solar panels on all new homes. Despite this, the fact that there is such widespread support for the idea should influence both politicians and property developers. And environmental campaigners hope to see more solar panels used in construction, playing a greater role in the fight against climate change.