The UK government has announced plans to require solar panels on the vast majority of new homes built in England as part of a sweeping “rooftop revolution.” Energy Secretary Ed Miliband revealed that new building regulations, to be published this year, will mandate property developers to fit solar panels unless the site is unsuitable due to shading.
“Solar panels can save people hundreds of pounds off their energy bills, so it is just common sense for new homes to have them fitted as standard,” Miliband said.
The new rules will be part of the Future Homes Standard, due this autumn, which will also require low-carbon heating systems such as heat pumps and high energy efficiency standards to cut bills and boost the UK’s clean energy supply.
The government highlighted that a typical existing UK home could save around £530 a year by installing rooftop solar under current energy price conditions.
Miliband added, “This marks a monumental step in unleashing this rooftop revolution as part of our Plan for Change, and means new homeowners will get lower bills with clean home-grown power.”
Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook emphasized the government’s commitment to renewable energy: “We are maximising the use of renewable energy to cut people’s bills and power their homes. The Future Homes Standard will ensure new homes are modern and efficient with low-carbon heating.”
Recent changes have also made it easier for homeowners to install heat pumps without planning permission, supporting the broader clean energy push.
Campaigners from CPRE welcomed the move, with Jackie Copley stating, “This is a very promising sign from the government… rooftop solar harnesses huge potential without harming the countryside.”
However, the Home Builders Federation cautioned against adding “burdensome” paperwork that could slow housing delivery, while Solar Energy UK urged local authorities to ensure compliance.
This landmark policy signals a major shift towards sustainability in UK housing, aligning with the government’s goal to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029 with cutting-edge energy standards.
