Parliament declines implementation of Sunshine Bill, making solar panel installation voluntary
The Future Homes Standard: Shifting England Towards Energy Self-Sufficiency
The Future Homes Standard, a government policy set to be implemented in 2025, promises a new era for sustainable housing in England. This standard will make rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels a mandatory feature in all new homes built from Autumn 2025 onwards [1][3][5].
The government's objective behind this measure is to embed solar power generation directly into building regulations, thereby reducing household energy bills, cutting carbon emissions, increasing energy security, boosting the green economy, and addressing the twin challenges of rising living costs and climate change [1].
The Future Homes Standard is part of a broader "Plan for Change" targeting 1.5 million new homes built to these criteria by 2029 [1]. Alongside solar, new homes will also need to include low-carbon heating technologies such as heat pumps or district heating and meet enhanced energy efficiency standards [1][3].
Data from local developer Newland Homes shows customers in their solar-equipped homes could save up to £2,000 annually on energy bills [4]. A survey revealed that 82% of the public support rooftop solar on new homes [6].
However, concerns have been raised over potential adverse effects on the housing market. Government officials advocate for giving developers the freedom to decide when and where to use solar panels based on market needs [2]. The complexity of installing solar panels on every new build could strain the construction industry, which is already short on skilled workers [7].
The Sunshine Bill, proposed by Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson, aimed to take these measures a step further by requiring all new homes to install solar panels [8]. Despite opposition from Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, the government has reaffirmed its dedication to sustainable housing through its upcoming policy, the Future Homes Standard [9].
The estimated cost of adding solar panels to each new home ranges from £5,000 to £10,000 [3]. Local planning could become more complicated and time-consuming due to the addition of solar panels, adding to existing delays in getting planning permission [5]. There are also concerns that the installation of solar panels could make houses less affordable, especially considering high average UK house prices [7].
In summary, the Future Homes Standard establishes rooftop solar installations as a new baseline for new housing developments in England, aiming to embed sustainability and energy cost savings into homes from the outset rather than relying on retrofit measures in the future [5]. The government's commitment to this policy demonstrates its dedication to a greener, more energy-efficient future for England's housing market.
References:
- Government announces Future Homes Standard
- Government consults on Future Homes Standard
- Future Homes Standard: Technical consultation
- Newland Homes: Solar energy savings
- Future Homes Standard: Q&A
- Public supports rooftop solar on new homes
- Impact of solar panels on house prices
- Sunshine Bill: Requiring solar panels on new homes
- Government reaffirms commitment to sustainable housing
- The Future Homes Standard, set to be implemented in 2025, will mandate the installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels in all new homes built from Autumn 2025 onwards, as part of the government's efforts to promote energy self-sufficiency.
- In addition to solar, new homes will be required to incorporate low-carbon heating technologies such as heat pumps or district heating, and meet enhanced energy efficiency standards, according to the Future Homes Standard.
- The government hopes that by embedding solar power generation into building regulations, the new standard will help reduce household energy bills, cut carbon emissions, increase energy security, boost the green economy, and address the challenges of rising living costs and climate change.
- Solar-equipped homes, as shown by data from local developer Newland Homes, have the potential to save up to £2,000 annually on energy bills.
- The government urges developers to make decisions about when and where to use solar panels based on market needs and advocates for avoiding potential adverse effects on the housing market.
- There are concerns that the complexity of installing solar panels on every new build could strain the construction industry, which is already facing a shortage of skilled workers.
- The Sunshine Bill, proposed by Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson, aimed to require all new homes to install solar panels, going beyond the current Future Homes Standard.
- Despite opposition from Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, the government has reaffirmed its dedication to sustainable housing through its upcoming policy, the Future Homes Standard.
- The estimated cost of adding solar panels to each new home ranges from £5,000 to £10,000, with concerns that the installation of solar panels could make houses less affordable, especially considering high average UK house prices, potentially adding to existing delays in getting planning permission.
