Oral Answers to Questions

Chris Hinchliff Excerpts

Tuesday 15th July 2025 Commons Chamber

[Miatta Fahnbulleh]

The hon. Member is right. We believe in a solar panel revolution. That is one of the key things that Great British Energy will bring about across the country. On overheating, it will be critical to ensure that as we upgrade homes, we make them fit for purpose in the context of climate change. We are including air-to-air heat pumps in the boiler upgrade scheme, and we will consider other measures to keep homes cool.

[Chris Hinchliff (North East Hertfordshire) (Lab)]

The Government have taken long-overdue steps to secure rooftop solar on new builds, but there is even greater untapped potential on existing commercial and domestic rooftops. Will Ministers consider introducing a scheme, similar to those in other countries, offering free installation of rooftop solar for businesses and residents? The costs could be paid back through a long-term power-purchasing agreement. That would simultaneously increase the supply of clean energy and cut bills.

[Miatta Fahnbulleh]

My hon. Friend is right to talk about the potential of solar on our commercial buildings. We know that solar can reduce energy bills by about £600. We are looking at all the options, because we are absolutely serious about a solar rooftop revolution, whether on our homes or commercial buildings.