Solar panels are already a familiar sight on new build housing developments across England, with many developers incorporating them into their properties to meet energy efficiency requirements and help homeowners reduce their electricity bills. From March 2027, however, the rules governing how new homes are built are set to change significantly.
The introduction of the Future Homes Standard will make solar panels a requirement for the vast majority of new homes in England, marking an important development in the way residential properties generate and use energy. Alongside improvements to insulation and the growing adoption of low-carbon heating systems, solar technology will play an increasingly important role in the design of new housing.
For developers, the changes will bring additional considerations around roof design, electrical infrastructure and the integration of renewable energy systems during construction. For prospective homeowners, they raise some equally interesting questions about what equipment will be included, how much electricity a new property might generate and whether the system can be expanded in the future.
With the new regulations approaching, it’s worth understanding what’s changing, which properties will be affected and what the growing use of solar technology could mean for the next generation of homes.
What’s Changing Under the Future Homes Standard?
The Future Homes Standard introduces new requirements for the energy efficiency and environmental performance of newly built homes in England. Taking effect from 24th March 2027, the updated Building Regulations will require most new properties to incorporate on-site renewable electricity generation, with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels expected to be the main way developers meet this requirement.
Under the current regulations, developers can already use solar panels to help achieve the energy performance standards required for new homes. The updated rules go further by establishing a specific expectation for renewable electricity generation as part of the building’s design. The amount of solar capacity required will depend on factors including the property’s size, roof area and suitability for installation. Homes with significant shading or particular architectural constraints may qualify for exemptions, although these are intended to apply in relatively limited circumstances.
There are also transitional arrangements to consider. Developments with qualifying building control applications submitted before 24th March 2027 may continue under the existing regulations, provided construction of the relevant buildings begins before 24 March 2028. Consequently, buyers could still encounter newly completed properties without solar panels after the updated requirements have come into effect.
The changes form part of a wider effort to improve the energy performance of new housing, with solar generation working alongside better insulation, efficient building design and low-carbon heating technologies to reduce household energy consumption and associated emissions.
Why Are Solar Panels Becoming So Important for New Builds?
As more homes move towards electric heating and transport, the amount of electricity a household needs is likely to change. Heat pumps, electric vehicles and other modern technologies can all increase demand, making it increasingly valuable for properties to generate some of their own electricity.
Solar panels offer a practical way to achieve this, particularly when they’re considered during the initial design of a new development. Roof orientation, pitch and available space can all influence how much electricity a system generates, so planning for solar at an early stage gives developers greater flexibility when designing individual properties. There are practical advantages to installing solar during construction, too. Electrical connections, cable routes and inverter locations can be incorporated into the building plans, while scaffolding and other site equipment may already be available. This can make the installation process more straightforward and help ensure the finished system integrates neatly with the property.
For homeowners, the benefits continue long after construction is complete. Electricity generated during daylight hours can be used throughout the property, reducing the amount purchased from the grid. Depending on the system installed, there may also be opportunities to store surplus generation in a battery or export unused electricity through an eligible tariff.
As solar becomes a more established feature of new housing, the decisions made during construction will have a lasting influence on how effectively homeowners can use the technology.
Will Every New-Build Home Have The Same Solar System?
Although solar panels will become a much more common feature of new housing developments, the systems installed won’t necessarily be identical. The size and layout of each property will influence what can be accommodated, while developers will also need to consider the requirements of the updated Building Regulations.
A detached house with a large, south-facing roof may have considerably more space for solar panels than a terraced property with a smaller roof area. Roof orientation, shading from neighbouring buildings and the positioning of chimneys, vents or roof windows can all affect the available installation space and the amount of electricity a system is expected to generate.
The equipment selected can also vary between developments. Different panels have different power ratings, while the choice of inverter will depend on the proposed system and how it’s designed to operate. These decisions influence the amount of electricity a property can generate and the options available to homeowners who might want to expand their system later.
Battery storage is another consideration. The new requirements don’t mean every property will automatically come with a solar battery, so homeowners interested in storing electricity for use during the evening may need to explore adding one separately.
For developers, careful planning during the design stage can help make the most of the available roof space and ensure the electrical infrastructure is suitable for the proposed installation. For buyers, understanding the system included with their new home provides a useful starting point when considering their future energy needs.
What Should Homeowners Look For When Buying A New Build With Solar Panels?
If you’re buying a new-build property with solar panels already installed, it’s worth finding out exactly what’s included before you move in. The developer should be able to provide details of the system’s capacity, the equipment installed and its expected annual electricity generation, giving you a better understanding of how much of your household’s electricity needs it could meet.
You’ll also want to know how to monitor the system once you’re living in the property. Many modern inverters offer online monitoring through an app, allowing homeowners to see how much electricity their panels are generating. Access to this information can be particularly useful during the first year, when you’re getting to know your household’s energy consumption and how generation changes throughout the seasons.
Documentation is another important consideration. Ask for the relevant installation certificates, warranty information and operating instructions, along with details of who to contact if something goes wrong. Where applicable, an MCS certificate may also be needed when arranging payments for electricity exported to the grid.
It’s worth thinking about your longer-term plans, too. If you’re considering an electric vehicle, battery storage or a heat pump, understanding the capabilities of the existing solar installation could help you decide whether additional equipment would be beneficial. Some systems can accommodate upgrades relatively easily, while others may require changes to the inverter or electrical infrastructure.
Having this information from the outset will make it easier to get the most from your solar panels and make informed decisions about any improvements you might want to introduce in the future.
Planning Solar Installations For New Housing Developments
For housebuilders and property developers, the introduction of the Future Homes Standard makes early consideration of solar technology increasingly important. With renewable electricity generation becoming a requirement for most new homes, incorporating solar into the initial development plans can help avoid complications as construction progresses.
Decisions about roof orientation, available installation space and the positioning of electrical equipment can all influence the finished system. Considering these requirements alongside the wider building design gives developers an opportunity to maximise generation potential while ensuring installations are practical, accessible and visually integrated with the property.
There are logistical considerations, too. Coordinating solar installations with roofing, electrical and other construction work can help keep projects running smoothly, particularly on larger developments where multiple properties are being completed at different stages. Clear communication between the developer and solar installer is essential to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place when required.
At Solar First, we work with homeowners and property owners across Rutland, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire, and from March 2027, Surrey too, providing advice on solar PV installations, battery storage and associated technologies.
As the requirements for new housing evolve, we’re also happy to discuss solar installations with developers planning residential projects across our service areas. Getting the right advice early in the process can help establish what’s practical for a development and ensure solar is properly considered before construction begins.
Preparing For The Future Of Solar-Powered Homes
The introduction of the Future Homes Standard represents an important change for residential construction in England. With solar panels set to become a familiar feature of new housing developments, more homeowners will have the opportunity to generate electricity from the moment they move into their new property.
For developers, the coming changes highlight the value of considering renewable energy during the earliest stages of a project. For homeowners, understanding the system installed on their property will help them make better use of the electricity it generates and explore opportunities for future improvements.
Whether you’re planning a new housing development, buying a property with solar panels already installed or considering adding battery storage to an existing system, Solar First can help you understand the options available.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements and receive straightforward advice on solar PV, battery storage and making the most of your property’s energy potential.
