Following a comment provided by the Government to the Guardian today that appears to suggest solar panels will not be made mandatory on all new homes, David Cowdrey, Acting Chief Executive of The MCS Foundation, said:

“The Government’s apparent failure to require solar panels on all new builds is extremely disappointing, and represents an enormous missed opportunity.

“Installing solar panels on all new builds would not only reduce energy bills for homeowners, it would also massively contribute to net zero, with the potential to add as much as 6GW of clean, cheap electricity to the grid. Allowing loopholes with vague ‘encouragements’ to developers simply is not enough to meet the demands of net zero and make the most of the opportunity to get solar on roofs.

“Just last week, more than 50 MPs, Peers and charities signed an open letter calling on the Government to make solar panels mandatory on all new builds. Polling shows exceptionally high levels of support for mandatory solar PV.

“We urge the Government to reconsider this decision.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

A spokesperson for the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government told the Guardian today: “Solar panels are a vital technology to help achieve our mission to deliver net zero. However, they may not be the best option for all new homes, for example those surrounded by trees or with lots of shade overhead. It is also crucial we set standards for new homes in a way that allows for future innovation and flexibility in technology and design, which is why the building regulations do not mandate one particular option.”

A full briefing on the Future Homes Standard and debates around mandatory solar panels can be provided.

YouGov polling shows that 8 in 10 UK adults support mandatory solar panels on new homes: https://mcsfoundation.org.uk/news/poll-shows-majority-back-key-renewable-measures-on-new-builds/

A recent MCS Foundation report demonstrated the savings that would be achieved by adding solar panels to new builds under the Future Homes Standard. Annual running costs for an average semi-detached home could be reduced by £1,040 by adding solar panels: https://mcsfoundation.org.uk/news/mandatory-renewables-on-new-builds-would-save-average-household-1300-a-year/

MPs, Peers and charities called on the Government to make solar mandatory on all new builds under the Future Homes Standard in an open letter last week: https://mcsfoundation.org.uk/news/mps-and-charities-call-for-mandatory-solar-panels-on-new-homes/