Bill to make solar PV mandatory on new builds is adjourned

The New Homes (Solar Generation) Bill – a private members bill sponsored by Lib Dem MP Max Wilkinson, has been adjourned after its second reading. 

Despite almost unanimous support for the bill, there were insufficient MPs present to vote the bill through to its next stage.

The bill will be reconsidered on 11 July 2025.

Known as The Sunshine Bill, the legislation would require that solar photovoltaic generation equipment is installed on all new buildings as standard and that it should cover 40% of the building’s ground floor area.

The bill has received a great deal of support from The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), who have been asking supporters to lobby their local MPs to ensure there were sufficient members present to let the Bill pass through the reading. 

Following the adjournment CPRE said: ‘This delay does not signal the end of the effort, but offers a new opportunity for MPs to revisit this important issue in the coming months.’

‘There was plenty to be encouraged by during the debate, with MPs across different parties showing strong support for achieving a renewable revolution and climate action that protects our countryside, delivers the sustainable homes we need and helps lower energy prices.

‘It was pointed out that we are missing opportunities that other countries have been faster to embrace, potentially leaving the UK behind on energy security independence and all the benefits that go with decarbonisation.

‘Look out for further updates soon as we consider the best ways we can positively influence both the Sunshine Bill, and the Future Homes Standard – to deliver the common-sense rooftop revolution that our supporters, and the general public, so enthusiastically support.’

I used the CPRE form to contact my MP, Lisa Smart (Lib Dem), and received a reply.

She said: ‘Thank you for getting in touch with me regarding the New Homes (Solar Generation) Bill, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Bill, which has been brought forward by my Liberal Democrat colleague, Max Wilkinson MP, as his Private Members’ Bill.

‘I am immensely proud of the work that Max has done on this and I, and the rest of the Liberal Democrats, fully support it. Renewables are key to energy production of the low-carbon future; to make homes healthy and cheap to heat; to support green jobs and economic growth. 

‘The Liberal Democrats want to drive a rooftop solar revolution by expanding incentives for households to install solar panels, including a guaranteed fair price for electricity sold back into the grid.

‘Regarding Max’s Bill in particular, I unfortunately will not be able to attend the second reading because I already have diary commitments in the constituency on that day.

‘I have spoken directly with Max Wilkinson MP about this and the Government is set to come to an accommodation and wait to take the bill to a vote.’

The debate can be watched here.