The energy department will publish its Future Homes Standard paper in the autumn, but has confirmed today that “solar panels will be included, leading to installation on the vast majority of new build homes”.  

The move will see building regulations amended to explicitly promote solar for the first time, unless the buildings fall under certain exemptions, such as being covered by shade.

The department says a typical home could save around £530 a year from installing rooftop solar, based on the current energy price cap.  

The move is a sign that energy secretary Ed Miliband (pictured) has won his battle with the Treasury to keep a £13.2bn fund to help retrofit homes to green standards.

Miliband says: “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.”

Housing and planning minister Matthew Pennycook adds: 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 so they can play their part in bolstering our nation’s energy security.”

National Federation of Builders national chairman Mark Wakeford says: “Solar panels on new homes make sense because they lower bills and progress the clean energy revolution we so desperately need. 

“Credit must also be given for recent announcements on grid investment and connection reforms, as these were important challenges to recognise and solve for a rooftop revolution to happen in practice.”

In the first quarter of 2025, the government adds that its Boiler Upgrade Scheme received a record 11,256 applications, up 73% from the same quarter a year ago. 

This scheme provides households with up to £7,500 off the cost of a heat pump, which can save families around £100 a year by using a smart tariff effectively.