Most new build homes must be fitted with solar panels – Miliband

Political correspondent Leila Nathoo, alongside Political producer Christina McSorley, reported that Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has announced a new requirement for builders in England to install solar panels on the “vast majority” of new build homes. This change, to be formally published later this year, would mandate developers to incorporate panels unless certain exemptions, such as buildings covered by shade, apply. Miliband emphasized that the installation of solar panels could potentially save households up to £500 annually on their energy bills, emphasizing the practicality of this move.

The Home Builders Federation expressed support for the integration of more solar panels but cautioned against the introduction of excessive paperwork that could impede government efforts to construct 1.5 million new homes by 2029. The upcoming regulations will be integrated into the Future Homes Standard, a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. While the government intends to publish this standard in the autumn, developers will be granted a transitional period to adjust to the forthcoming regulatory alterations.

Under the current building regulations, developers are not obligated to incorporate solar panels into new homes. The previous Conservative administration had proposed regulations that suggested new build homes should possess rooftop solar panels covering 40% of the building’s ground area, a suggestion that was not implemented before they left office. Conversely, the Labour government now pledges to introduce rules mandating developers to include solar panels in all new constructions. Miliband noted that the specifics of these regulations would be outlined in the autumn, emphasizing that even buildings unable to achieve the proposed 40% coverage would still be required to have some solar panels, except for rare exceptions.

The drive to increase the adoption of solar power aligns with the government’s goal of reducing the country’s carbon emissions to achieve net zero by 2050. The UK’s commitment to this target, in accordance with the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, necessitates a reduction in carbon emissions until they mirror the amount removed. Meeting these targets entails nearly complete decarbonization of the housing stock, according to the government’s advisory body, the Climate Change Committee. Solar power generation in the UK reached record levels this year, signaling progress towards sustainability goals, although it remains the sixth largest source of electricity in the country, falling behind gas, wind, imports, nuclear, and biomass

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