The UK government will soon require builders to install solar panels on most new homes in England, according to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. The new regulations, set to be published later this year, will mean that developers must fit solar panels unless a home qualifies for specific exemptions, such as being too shaded.
Miliband described the move as “common sense,” saying it could save households around £500 a year on energy bills. The Home Builders Federation supports increasing the use of solar panels but warned that too much paperwork could slow down efforts to meet the government’s target of building 1.5 million new homes by 2029.
The requirement will be part of the upcoming Future Homes Standard, which aims to boost energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions. The government says the new rules will be released in autumn, with a transition period to help builders adjust.
Currently, building rules do not require solar panels on new homes. The previous Conservative government had suggested new homes should have rooftop solar panels covering 40% of the roof area, but the proposal was not implemented before they left office. Labour now promises to introduce a broader rule, requiring solar panels on nearly all new builds.
Instead of the old 40% coverage rule, Miliband explained that all new homes will need some solar panels, except in rare cases, even if they can’t reach the previous coverage target. He said almost every new home would need to comply, making solar panels “almost universal.”
Asked if this would increase house prices, Miliband said he didn’t think so. Industry leaders said that many new homes already include solar panels, and builders are getting used to the change. However, they cautioned against making the exemption process too complicated, which could delay much-needed new housing.
Solar industry representatives said local authorities must enforce the rules but expected most new homes—about 90%—would be covered. They also highlighted the need to train more workers to keep up with increased demand for solar installations.
This announcement follows a recent change in planning rules that makes it easier for homeowners to install heat pumps. Boosting solar power is part of the UK’s strategy to cut carbon emissions, as residential buildings currently account for 20% of the nation’s greenhouse gases.
The UK is legally committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050. However, there’s political disagreement about how to achieve this. Some, like Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, argue the target is unrealistic, while others, such as the Liberal Democrats and Greens, want faster progress. The Liberal Democrats also took credit for pushing the solar mandate.
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