Rules demanding solar panels for new-build homes are 'no-brainer'

Builders will be required to fit solar panels to new-build homes in England under rule changes set to be published this year.

Energy secretary Ed Miliband said the regulations are “just common sense”, adding that solar panels would save the typical household £500 on their energy bills.

Developers will be required to add panels to the roofs of new homes unless buildings fall under certain exemptions, such as being covered by shade.

Builders will be required to fit solar panels to new-build homes in England under rule changes set to be published this year (Image: Flagship) Norfolk housebuilder Abel Homes has backed the move, calling it a “no-brainer”.

The Watton-based housebuilder has fitted photovoltaic solar panels, which generate electricity from sunlight, as standard on all the open market homes it has built since 2015.

Current building regulations do not force housebuilders to fit solar panels to new homes.

“This is such an obvious suggestion that the big question is why it hasn’t been raised sooner,” said Paul LeGrice, managing director of Abel Homes.

“Fitting solar panels is one of a number of measures that housebuilders should be taking to minimise the impact of new homes on the environment and ensure that running those homes is as affordable as possible. It’s a no-brainer.”

Paul LeGrice, managing director of Abel Homes (Image: Newman Associates PR) He said just 6pc of new homes built in 2023/24 had an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of ‘A’.

An EPC rating assesses how energy-efficient a building is, with grades ranging from A (most efficient) to G.

However, he said this is double the proportion of the previous year.

“I hope that the forthcoming Future Homes Standards push for the overall level of energy-efficient homes to increase,” Mr LeGrice added.

“As well as the environmental benefits, building energy-efficient homes gives us a significant competitive advantage as well.

“Buyers want to know that running their homes will be affordable, and that they will be warm.”

Abel Homes is currently building new homes across Norfolk, in Dereham, East Harling, Swaffham and Taverham.