Readers debate: car parks vs green space for solar
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- Chris of Middlesbrough asked why the UK builds solar farms on green space when car parks could host panels, prompting the Guardian reader Q&A.
- NESO (National Energy System Operator for Great Britain) prefers one large installation over 100 smaller car park arrays because it is easier to switch generators on and off for national frequency balancing.
- Readers cited France as already requiring solar panels on car parks through planning rules, providing shade for vehicles while generating electricity for recharging.
- Respondents said England has legislated 40% solar coverage on roofs (or ground-floor area) of new homes starting from 2028.
- One commenter noted solar panels are now cheaper per square metre than roof tiles, with battery storage prices dropping significantly over the past five years.
- Readers pointed to China as the global leader in "floatovoltaics" — solar panels installed on rivers and open water to cut evaporation while generating electricity.
- Pavanne argued elevated car park installations cost more due to extra steel and wind load resistance, and called the farmland-used argument a pretext to block cheap new generation.
Why it matters: France already requires solar on car parks through planning rules, and England will mandate 40% rooftop coverage on new homes from 2028, according to readers. One respondent said panels now cost less per square metre than roof tiles, meaning the UK's continued reliance on greenfield solar reflects political will and NESO's preference for single large sites, not cost.
