The writing is on the wall with the 2050 net-zero target: the country’s electricity system faces a huge challenge. As demand is expected to double; meeting that surge with clean energy means not only scaling up wind and solar farms but also rethinking where power generation happens. Increasingly, the most valuable spaces in this transition might not be open fields or offshore wind arrays, but the rooftops above our cities.
Recent data from the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) and CBRE Research shows that electricity demand across UK cities is set to rise by an average of 24% in the next six years. Edinburgh and Glasgow are predicted to see the biggest increases, both above 30%, reflecting colder temperatures and the shift towards electric heating. Even in a less optimistic scenario where the UK falls short of its net-zero ambitions, demand is still forecast to grow by around 8% by 2030.
The problem is that electricity demand is rising faster than grid capacity. While large renewable projects are essential, they often face long delays before connecting to the grid, with some timelines stretching into the next decade. This has opened the door to smaller, more flexible forms of energy generation. Rooftop solar, particularly in built-up areas, is becoming an increasingly attractive option.
This is where the property sector can make a real difference. By using roof space to generate electricity, developers and landlords can cut emissions, lower energy costs and reduce pressure on the national grid. Although commercial solar systems still require a grid connection, they can typically be installed and operational much faster than large-scale energy projects.
Liverpool’s Bastion Point is a good example of this approach. The £41.5 million residential development, delivered by Integritas Property Group, includes rooftop solar panels to help power the building sustainably. While its generation capacity is relatively small, it reflects a wider trend: urban developments are beginning to produce their own renewable energy, supporting both residents and the surrounding city. It also shows how sustainability and investment value can go hand in hand.
Of course, rooftop solar is not suitable for every building. Orientation, roof strength and local grid conditions all need to be assessed carefully. But with electricity demand rising and grid expansion struggling to keep pace, the case for making better use of existing spaces is stronger than ever.
Britain’s journey to net zero won’t rely only on vast offshore wind farms. It will also be shaped by thousands of ordinary rooftops quietly helping to power a cleaner, more resilient future.
