The UK government has confirmed that the Future Homes Standard (FHS) and Future Buildings Standard (FBS) will be published this autumn, setting out significant updates to building regulations designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in both new homes and non-domestic buildings.

A key part of these standards will be the requirement for solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to be installed by default on the majority of new build properties in England.

A press release launched by government today (6th June) confirms that “Building Regulations will be 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”. Elmhurst believes that this will be in the form of a new functional requirement that sets a minimum amount of solar photovoltaic panels for new build properties albeit with some rare exemptions. The outcome of the FHS and FBS consultation will likely confirm the specific details of how this will be introduced into Building Regulations. 

Illustrating the potential benefits, a typical existing home could save around £530 a year by installing rooftop solar, based on current energy price caps—though exact savings for Future Homes Standard properties will be assessed in full when the policy is finalised.

Elmhurst’s New Build Dwellings Manager, Jason Hewins is pleased to see clearer timelines announced for both FHS and FBS, which is something that Elmhurst expected:

“We are pleased to see the government confirm that solar PV will be required on the vast majority of new homes. Including a functional requirement for solar photovoltaic panels within the Building Regulations marks a significant shift, and we look forward to seeing the specific details of how this will be implemented through the Future Homes Standard.

We also welcome the confirmation that the Future Homes Standard will be released this autumn. This aligns with the expected timeline for SAP 10.3 development, and Elmhurst has already commenced work on our Design SAP 10 application to meet this schedule. The industry has long called for clarity and a clear timeline to support preparation for the new standards—today’s announcement is a step in the right direction.”

Related Links

Rooftop solar for new builds to save people money – GOV.UK