Almost all new homes in England are to be fitted with solar panels during construction within two years, under plans being drawn up by the Government.
The move follows a call from the LGA to make solar panels a requirement on all new homes to meet climate targets and cut household bills.
Currently, 60 per cent of new homes built do not have rooftop solar panels. A recently published LGA report says making this a requirement would increase that number and have a positive impact.
Benefits include decreasing carbon and costs for households, with an estimated saving of £440 per year, helping meet green targets and saving residents money.
The LGA’s ‘Empowering local climate action: advice to government’ report sets out a range of other policy and funding recommendations aimed at decarbonising housing, expanding renewable energy and preserving biodiversity.
Cllr Adam Hug, LGA Environment Spokesperson, said: “This report sets out what councils can achieve and how to do it, if the Government is able to back them with the powers and funding to turn this into a reality.
“Councils are ready to go further and faster on climate action – but we need a plan that works in partnership with local government. However, the funding or policies needed to empower them to help fully realise this ambition are not yet in place.
“The Government should use the Spending Review to ensure that councils are sufficiently funded and take on the policy recommendations that will help local government fulfil its role in tackling climate change.”