Proposed changes in the Future Homes Standard, being published in Autumn, will make solar panels mandatory on the vast majority of new build homes, DESNZ has confirmed.

Under proposed changes, new homes will also have low-carbon heating, such as heat pumps and high levels of energy efficiency with building regulations amended to explicitly promote solar for the first time, subject to practical limits with flexibility in place for new homes surrounded by trees or with lots of shade overhead.

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.”

After relaxation of planning rules came into force last week, heat pumps can now be installed within one metre of their property’s boundary without having to submit a planning application, and the requirement for solar panels will make such installations more efficient.

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