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Written question asked by Sarah Champion (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 September 2026. It was answered by Polly Billington (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Solar Power: Social Rented Housing

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what guidance her Department provides to social housing providers on the (a) disposal, (b) replacement and (c) recycling of legacy solar photovoltaic panels that have reached the end of their operational lifecycle.

Answer

Legislation is in place to control the disposal of solar equipment at the end of its life for the collection and recycling of old PV panels with some companies globally and in the UK able to take the materials from the panels to use in different industries.

Whilst no formal guidance is provided to social housing providers, they should ensure they have familiarised themselves with the disposal obligations under UK regulations before installing solar panel on homes. If they are unsure of how to comply with these regulations they can speak with the supplier and installer of the panels, or with specialist panel recycling companies.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
26024
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Social rented housing Solar power
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk