Installing photovoltaic systems on existing building roofs and other land, such as car parks, could provide Britain with 40-50GW of clean energy by 2035, according to an independent review commissioned by the British countryside charity CPRE. This potential could rise to 117GW by 2050 if rooftop PV systems are properly invested.

The projections mean that far less land will be needed to decarbonise Britain's electricity grid than previously feared. The report assessed the UK government's target of installing 70GW of PV systems by 2035, adding that prioritising rooftop PV systems would also gradually eliminate the need for additional large green Spaces.

To capitalise on the near-universal public support for rooftop PV systems and unlock the full potential of the technology, the report makes six recommendations for the UK government:

Set a national target: The CPRE recommends that a target of 40GW + rooftop PV systems be reached to ensure that the broader 2035 PV deployment target is met.

Amend planning regulations and future housing standards to ensure that: they include local authorities working together to audit buildings in their communities that are suitable for rooftop PV systems; Photovoltaic modules meet the standard requirements of new buildings; Full planning permission must be obtained for major external alterations to existing buildings unless they meet future residential standards; Installation of PV systems in car parks requires planning permission.

Introduction of a landscape framework for ground-mounted PV systems: This includes the introduction of a land use framework and a review of national and local planning policies.

Provide financial support: Develop a set of market-based actions to support the rooftop revolution, such as government-backed low-cost loans and upgrades to smart export guarantees.

Encouraging community energy: Updating national planning and energy policies to incentivize community participation in renewable energy projects.

Distribution network operators invest in local grid capacity - in partnership with the UK's Gas and Electricity Market Office (Ofgem) to better adapt to market growth in photovoltaic systems and heat pump generation.

Roger Mortlock, CPRE chief executive, said: "Given the urgency of the climate crisis, now is the time to make renewable energy the standard for all new developments.

Home users want PV systems on the roofs of new homes, and it's crazy to see a large warehouse with a roof the size of a football field. And Britain's electricity system is stuck in the fossil fuel era, without a net-zero emissions plan. The first step must be that all new buildings and major alterations require the installation of PV systems as a condition of planning permission, unless there is a good reason not to. Editor/Xu Shengpeng