I was deeply disappointed to see the government reject the Sunshine Bill—a proposal that would have required solar panels on all new homes. It’s a missed opportunity to address both our climate goals and the cost-of-living crisis, and I feel strongly that we should revisit this idea in the future.
The Sunshine Bill was straightforward: a practical step to increase renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and lower energy bills for households across the country. Solar power is one of the most accessible and effective renewable energy sources we have, and making it a standard feature on new homes would have been a no-brainer.
Why This Matters
In West Berkshire, we’ve already seen how solar energy can make a difference. Last year alone, photovoltaic systems in the area generated over 36,000 megawatt hours of renewable energy—more than any other local renewable source by a significant margin. If the rest of the country followed this example, we could achieve real progress toward our goal of 70GW of solar energy by 2035.
But this bill wasn’t just about meeting environmental targets; it was also about supporting families who are struggling with high energy costs. Retrofitting older homes with solar panels is expensive, costing up to £15,000 with a battery system. By comparison, installing them during construction is far more cost-effective, at around £5,200 per home. For families in Newbury and beyond, solar panels could have offered savings of over £1,000 a year on electricity bills.
The Government Got It Wrong
The government’s decision to block this bill is out of step with public opinion. A YouGov poll showed that three-quarters of UK adults support mandatory solar panels on new homes. This rejection feels like a failure to listen to the public and to seize an opportunity that would have delivered clear benefits for households and the planet alike.
The government claimed the bill would have placed undue burdens on developers, but I firmly believe we cannot afford to delay action on climate change. As we’ve seen with other environmental policies, small changes today can lead to significant benefits tomorrow.
What’s Next?
While the rejection of the Sunshine Bill is a setback, I remain committed to championing practical solutions for tackling climate change and easing the financial pressures on households. We must continue to push for policies that deliver cleaner energy, protect green spaces, and ensure a sustainable future for the next generation.
I’ll also continue working locally to support renewable energy initiatives and will fight for investment in technologies that benefit both our environment and our communities.