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Future Homes Standard aims to cut bills and carbon with solar, heat pumps and improved efficiency
New build homes in England will be fitted with solar panels as standard, the government has confirmed, as part of its forthcoming Future Homes Standard.
Due to be published this autumn, the updated standard will ensure new homes are equipped with solar panels and low-carbon heating technologies, such as heat pumps. The government says the proposals will help families save hundreds of pounds a year on energy bills and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Currently, households installing rooftop solar can save around £530 annually, based on the existing energy price cap. The government expects the new measures to support working families and first-time buyers by reducing long-term living costs.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “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.
So many people just don’t understand why this doesn’t already happen. With our plans, it will. Today 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.”
The changes will also make it easier to install heat pumps, thanks to recent legislation that removes the need for planning applications when installing a unit within one metre of a property boundary. According to Octopus Energy, 34% of prospective heat pump users drop out due to planning-related barriers.
Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook added: “As part of the government’s Plan for Change to build 1.5 million homes, 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, while our common-sense planning changes will now make it easier and cheaper for people to use heat pumps and switch to EVs.”
The first quarter of 2025 saw a 73% rise in applications to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which offers households up to £7,500 off a heat pump installation.
Commenting on new homes being fitted with solar panels, David Woon, at net zero consultancy, Ennovus Solutions, said: "This is incredibly positive news, and I agree that it makes sense for all new builds to incorporate solar energy. However, the true benefit will be realised if this mandate is implemented in a way that maximises the potential of each installation, rather than simply meeting a minimum requirement. We too often observe new builds fitted with just one or two panels, which significantly limits the long-term advantages for both the homeowner and the environment.
"A more substantial solar array will not only help homeowners by significantly lowering their energy bills but also contribute more effectively to our planet by generating greater amounts of clean, green energy," he added.