Solar panels required for all new homes
The Government recently announced a new mandate requiring all new build homes to be equipped with solar panels. This initiative is part of the Future Homes Standard, which aims to ensure that new homes contribute to net zero carbon targets and reduce energy bills for homeowners. From 2026 it will be a requirement that new homes, with rare exceptions, are built with renewable electricity generation. In most cases, this would be via rooftop solar panels.
What is the Future Homes Standard?
The Future Homes Standard (FHS) is a set of new build home heating regulations that will apply to new homes in England. New homes will need to be built to the highest efficiency standards, aiming to cut carbon by 75-85% compared to 2013 levels. The regulations will require most new homes to be built with:
- Clean heating systems (no fossil fuel boilers)
- High energy efficiency in the design
- Solar PV
The FHS is part of the government’s plan to reduce carbon emissions from new homes and help meet Net Zero by 2050.
When will the Future Homes Standard come into effect?
The Future Homes Standard is expected to be published in Autumn 2025, and all legislation in place by December 2026. A transition period will end in all new homes having to meet the FHS by December 2027.
What does the Future Homes Standard mean for the UK?
Heating is the most significant source of domestic emissions in the UK and our buildings are responsible for 30% of UK emissions. The FHS new build home heating regulations will:
- Reduce energy bills
- Reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels
- Cut emissions
What is the benefit for homeowners?
The Government estimates that installing rooftop solar could save a typical home around £530 annually, based on the current energy price cap. With the average household energy bill for gas and electricity at £1,800, these savings represent a 30% reduction. Under proposed changes, new homes will also have low-carbon heating, such as heat pumps, and high levels of energy efficiency.
Incorporating advanced smart technology and efficient storage solutions into future new build homes may even enable some households to achieve zero energy costs.
Homes for sale with solar panels
Millions of homes up and down the country already benefit from generating free electricity from solar panels. These are five of the best, currently on the market with Michael Graham:
Joinery Close, Park Street, Buckinghamshire, HP27 9AH
Asking Price is £575,000
Built by renowned local developers Laxton Properties, this three-bedroom terraced town house in Princes Risborough comes with a 10-year new build warranty. A multitude of eco features justify the EPC rating of A, including solar panels, an air source heat pump, zone controlled underfloor heating throughout the ground floor, and a dedicated 7Kw Type 2 EV charging point.
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/oho250075/
The Folly, Great Wymondley, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 7ET
Asking Price is £1,800,000
A contemporary barn conversion with solar panels and the highest possible EPC rating of A, set in around 1.33 acres of gardens with open countryside views.
The Folly was designed and built by the current owners in 2015 and has eco features throughout including a ground source heat pump which powers the underfloor heating, solar panels on the roof, and two boreholes. The property’s EPC rating of A is the highest achievable.
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/hit240274/
Heath and Reach, Bedfordshire, LU7 0FR
Asking Price is £1,750,000
A modern, architect designed five-bedroom property, located on a private gated road in a woodland setting. Eco features include solar panels, a biomass boiler, and a borehole water supply.
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/mkc250128/
Wood Lane, Willington, Bedfordshire, MK44 3QT
Guide Price is £975,000
A purpose-built workshop at this modern 3/4-bedroom house has solar panels on the roof which provide the bulk of the electricity supply to the entire property.
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/bed240501/
South View, Whilton, Northamptonshire, NN11 2NJ
Guide Price is £580,000
This detached modern house with open countryside views has solar panels, underfloor heating, and an air source heat pump.
