Zac Goldsmith promises ‘solar revolution’ with panels on schools and flats

Green campaigner: Zac Goldsmith
Rex
Pippa Crerar18 January 2016

Zac Goldsmith today pledged a “solar revolution” with millions of pounds for homes and schools in his first major green announcement.

The Tory mayoral candidate said he would do all he could to support clean energy in the capital if elected mayor.

“Solar is becoming more efficient by the day, and for reasons we all now know well — from climate change to energy security, from clean air to supporting new businesses, I will do everything in my power to support London’s clean energy revolution,” Mr Goldsmith said.

“This will mean lower energy bills for individuals and businesses, while creating a cleaner living environment for everyone who lives and works in Greater London.”

His proposals come after the Government announced plans to cut solar panel subsidies — which critics claim will cause irreparable damage to London’s renewable sector.

Green peer Baroness Jenny Jones said: “I would warmly welcome a solar revolution, but we have to remember that the Tory Energy Secretary Amber Rudd also promised to unleash a ‘solar revolution’, and then cut the feed-in tariff putting 1,500 solar jobs in London at risk. I look forward to seeing the details of Zac’s plan.” The London Assembly criticised Ms Rudd after she said she was too busy to meet them to discuss the changes.

The average household in the capital could save £300 a year by investing in solar, figures suggest. However, less than one per cent of London’s energy is from solar panels — one of the lowest rates in the country. Many people are put off by the set-up costs.

Mr Goldsmith said he would continue the Zero Carbon Homes programme, which has been scrapped nationally, and work with developers to encourage solar on new flats and houses. All developments on public land would need to install them. The next tranche of the £150 million London Green Fund would be used to finance a “solar for schools” programme, building on work in his Richmond constituency where a third of schools have solar panels.

And Transport for London would have a plan to ensure it used locally generated clean energy where possible, and to plug waste heat into London’s 900 heat networks.

Mr Goldsmith would give community energy groups permission to put solar panels on under-used public roof space and help set up energy co-operatives on housing estates.

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