Almost all new homes built in England will be required to have solar panels by 2027, as part of the UK government’s ambitious plans to cut household energy bills and accelerate the drive towards net zero. The mandate, set to be unveiled through the Future Homes Standard, is expected to reshape housing regulations and help households save hundreds annually on energy costs.
Under the new regulations, housebuilders must install rooftop solar panels on at least 80% of new properties. These panels must cover the equivalent of 40% of the building’s ground area. Another 19% of homes will have a slightly lower solar panel requirement, while just 1% will be exempt due to structural or environmental limitations.
The policy is expected to add an average of £3,300 to the construction cost of semi-detached or terraced homes and around £4,000 for detached homes. However, these upfront costs are outweighed by long-term energy savings, with average households projected to save more than £440 annually on energy bills.
Currently, only two in five new homes in England are fitted with solar panels. Ministers say this change will not only improve energy efficiency but will also support national energy security by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
A government spokesperson emphasised: “We have always been clear that we want solar panels on as many new homes as possible. They are a vital technology to help cut bills for families, boost national energy security, and help deliver net zero.”
The initiative aligns with Labour’s goal of building 1.5 million new homes by 2030 and lowering average energy bills by £300. It follows recent calls from the Local Government Association and a Resolution Foundation report that highlighted the significant cost-saving potential of rooftop solar.
Greenpeace described the policy as “common sense.” Climate campaigner Lily Rose Ellis said, “For too long we’ve wasted the free energy that falls on rooftops daily. The government must now ensure the benefits of solar are felt not only by homeowners but also by public buildings like schools and hospitals.”
The move comes amid a broader political debate over net zero policies. Former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair recently questioned short-term restrictions on fossil fuels, warning of public disillusionment. However, Downing Street defended the current climate approach, stating that it aims to deliver meaningful change without imposing undue burdens on the public.
Final details of the solar panel requirement are expected to be announced in the coming months.
