A Defining Step Forward: Rooftop Solar Panels Set to Become the Standard for New Homes

Last week, the UK Government took a pivotal step towards a more sustainable built environment, confirming that solar panels for your home will become mandatory on new residential buildings under the upcoming Future Homes Standard. The renewables and construction sectors have welcomed this move, and rightly so.

At Radiant Renewables, we see this as not just a technical update to building regulations, but a cultural shift-one that finally recognises the fundamental role renewable energy solutions must play in the homes of tomorrow. We’re proud that the government included our perspective in the official press release, and to be part of the national conversation shaping the future of sustainable housing.

The Policy: A Brief Overview

According to the press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, all new homes built in England must include rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels from 2025 under the Future Homes Standard. This rule aims to reduce both energy bills and carbon emissions.

Key points from the announcement include:

• Solar PV will become mandatory on new residential buildings.
• The change could save homeowners £530 a year on average in energy bills.
• It aligns with the government’s legally binding commitment to reach net zero by 2050.
• The proposal is currently undergoing a technical consultation, expected to be finalised in Autumn 2025.
• This policy will go hand in hand with improved insulation and low carbon technologies in new builds.

 

Why Rooftop Solar Makes Sense

Solar PV technology has become significantly more efficient and affordable over the past decade. Since 2010, the price of solar panels has dropped by more than 80%. The return on investment, both financially and environmentally, has never been stronger.

Moreover, solar reduces reliance on grid electricity and fossil fuels. It enables decentralised energy production, lightensthe load on national infrastructure, and reduces carbon emissions at the source.

Mandatory rooftop solar is not a radical idea; it’s a long-overdue standard. In fact, countries like the Netherlands, Germany, and parts of the United States already use similar policies. The UK now joins that group in taking meaningful action to build sustainability into the fabric of new homes.

Our View from the Frontline

As specialists in renewable energy solutions and low carbon technologies, we work closely with developers, architects and homeowners every day to design and install systems that bring together solar PV, air source heat pumps and mechanical ventilation.

Sharing his thoughts, our Managing Director, Martin Badley, said:

“Solar is a great complement to the only thing that gets you off gas; the electrification of heat in your home.”

It’s a reminder that while solar panels are a big step in the right direction, they’re only part of the solution. To cut carbon from homes, we must pair solar with heat pumps and other low carbon technologies.

In practice, we design homes that are heated and powered using electricity produced on-site through solar panels. Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) distribute warmth efficiently throughout the home. When planned well, this setup delivers year-round comfort, lower energy bills, and a drastically reduced carbon footprint.

 

The Missing Piece: EPC Reform

While this policy sets a clear direction for new homes, it also highlights a gap that must be addressed if the UK is to make meaningful progress on retrofits and older housing stock: the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) system.

Currently, EPCs fail to reward low carbon technologies like heat pumps. This outdated methodology can lead to misleading ratings and act as a disincentive to homeowners considering electrification.

If solar PV now earns recognition for its benefits, heat pumps should be too. Reforming EPCs to better reflect real-world energy performance and carbon savings would help speed up the adoption of these technologies and help homeowners make better-informed choices.

What This Means for Developers and Architects

For those involved in the planning and construction of new homes, this announcement changes the landscape.

Mandatory solar PV must be integrated into building design from the outset. This requires:

• Accurate solar yield modelling based on orientation and roof pitch.
• Consideration of shading, inverter placement and grid connection capacity.
• Coordination with other renewable energy solutions like battery storage or heat pumps.
• Compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations (Conservation of fuel and power).

It also presents a fantastic opportunity for differentiation. Developers who embrace the new standard ahead of regulation can position themselves as forward-thinking and environmentally responsible. Similarly, architects can use solar integration as part of their aesthetic and functional design language—no longer an afterthought, but a design asset.

At Radiant Renewables, we are ready to support the industry in navigating this shift. We already work with developers across the East Midlands and beyond to deliver end-to-end mechanical and electrical services, and we’re fully equipped to meet the demands of this new standard.

 

Looking Ahead: A More Sustainable Housing Market

This policy is a clear sign that the UK Government is prioritising building emissions seriously. Domestic properties account for roughly 20% of the UK’s total carbon emissions, and tackling this sector is essential to achieving net zero.

Mandating rooftop solar on new homes is a strategic move that:

• Cuts carbon emissions from day one.
• Futureproofs homes against rising energy costs.
• Reduces strain on the national grid.
• Normalises the integration of renewable heating systems in housing.

It’s a starting point, not a finish line. We must continue to drive for high-performance insulation, smart meters, and recognition of low carbon technologies in energy ratings. Only then can we claim to be building homes that are truly fit for the future.

 

In Summary

The announcement to mandate rooftop solar on new homes is more than just a regulation, it’s a declaration that energy efficiency and carbon reduction are now essential components of modern housing.

At Radiant Renewables, we welcome this change and see it as a catalyst for further reforms, including EPC updates and wider adoption of renewable heating systems. We’re proud to play our part in this transformation and to have contributued directly to the government’s statement.

If you’re a developer, housing association, architect, or homeowner looking to get ahead of the curve, we’d love to hear from you.

 

Need Help Designing Your Next Project?

Our team can support you from project feasibility analysis to commissioning with fully integrated renewable energy solutions. Contact us today to learn more.