From 2027, new residential buildings in England will be required to have solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installed as part of a significant shift in building regulations under the Future Homes Standard. This initiative, announced by the British government, aims to enhance energy efficiency and implement low-carbon heating solutions such as heat pumps in almost all newly constructed houses. The goal is to foster the decarbonization of the building sector, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and lower household energy expenses. Energy Minister Ed Miliband noted that this change could lead to average annual savings of around £530 (or about €630) for homeowners, describing it as an essential move towards a “roof revolution” in energy practices.
In addition to the solar mandate, the British government is pushing forward with plans to expedite housing construction to meet an ambitious target of building 1.5 million new homes by 2029. It’s important to mention that these new regulations will specifically apply to England, while Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will follow their local building standards. Overall, the introduction of mandatory solar installations represents a monumental step towards a more sustainable future in housing and energy management, aiming to significantly improve energy efficiency in the residential sector.