Written by Carl Deconinck via Brussels Signal
The UK government has announced that the majority of new homes in England will soon come equipped with solar panels as a standard feature, aiming to reduce energy bills and move closer to net-zero goals.
However, developers have expressed concerns over additional costs and administrative challenges associated with this mandate.
The initiative, expected to be detailed in the upcoming Future Homes Standard, is set to be released in the autumn and is projected to save homeowners approximately £530 (€629) annually in energy costs. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband referred to the plan as “common sense” during an interview with the BBC on June 6, emphasizing the potential financial benefits for households.
The new regulation will require solar panels on almost all new residential buildings, with few exceptions for properties that are unsuitable for solar energy production.
Unlike the previous government’s policy, which allowed for no solar panels or coverage of 40% of the building’s area, the Labour Party’s approach mandates at least some solar coverage, ensuring a move towards universal adoption.
Miliband emphasized that this flexibility would encourage widespread implementation without compromising on the commitment to sustainable energy.
We’re kickstarting a solar rooftop revolution.
All new-build houses will come with solar panels as standard.
Delivering lower bills, energy security, and tackling the climate crisis.https://t.co/wXHwZolpiO
— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) June 6, 2025
The Home Builders Federation has expressed support for the integration of solar panels but raised concerns about bureaucratic hurdles that could hinder the government’s target of constructing 1.5 million new homes by 2029.
Neil Jefferson, head of the Home Builders Federation, noted that the industry is adapting to incorporating solar panels in new homes but cautioned against excessive administrative burdens that could delay the construction process.
While the government’s push for solar integration is in line with its environmental goals, industry experts have highlighted the need for additional training to meet the demand for solar installers.
The government’s data indicates that solar power, although growing steadily, remains a small component of the UK’s energy mix compared to gas, wind, and nuclear energy sources.
Developers estimate that adding solar panels to new buildings could increase construction costs by £3,000 (€3,560) to £4,000 (€4,750) per unit.
Miliband has assured that these costs will not be passed on to buyers, aligning with the government’s commitment to affordable housing.
The solar panel mandate is part of the Labour Party’s broader environmental agenda, which includes incentives for heat pumps and a significant investment in insulation.
The Climate Change Committee has emphasized the importance of decarbonizing housing to achieve the net-zero target by 2050, a goal that has faced opposition from some political parties.
While critics argue that such measures could impact living standards and increase energy bills, supporters believe that the benefits for both consumers and the environment outweigh the challenges.
Industry experts are optimistic about the potential for smart technology and energy storage to further reduce energy costs for households.
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