• 74% of Brits support solar panels being mandatory on new build homes: YouGov poll
• Mandatory solar panels on new homes would save average homeowner more than £1,000 per year
• Failure to mandate solar panels would see Labour diverging from public opinion and missing opportunity for up to 6GW of clean energy generation

Environmental experts have urged the Government to make solar panels mandatory for all new homes under new building regulations due next year, as YouGov polling published today reveals overwhelming public support for the measures.

The Future Homes Standard, which is due to be legislated next year, will require developers to reduce carbon emissions from new homes by 75-80%, compared to current standards. Polling commissioned by The MCS Foundations demonstrates strong public support for this, with 91% of UK adults supporting proposals that new homes should be built to the highest energy efficiency standards.

However, the Government’s plans for the Future Homes Standard appear to diverge from public opinion when it comes to putting solar panels on roofs. Three quarters (74%) of the public believe solar panels should be mandated under the Future Homes Standard, yet last month the Government suggested that this would not happen.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government stated that, “We want solar panels on as many new homes as possible, because they are a vital technology to help cut bills for families, boost our national energy security, and help deliver net zero. It’s 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.” This followed previous suggestions from Labour, before entering Government, that they would consider mandating solar on new homes.

The MCS Foundation has warned that a lack of clarity is holding back the renewable sector. The charity says that failing to mandate solar panels for new builds would be a huge missed opportunity for energy security, lower carbon emissions and lower household energy bills.

Commenting on the new polling, David Cowdrey, Acting Chief Executive at The MCS Foundation, said, “Solar panels generate enormous savings for owners of new-build homes, far outweighing the upfront cost of installing them. So it is no surprise that making solar panels the default for all new homes is hugely popular with the public.

“Requiring developers to fit solar panels on the 1.5million homes that are expected in the next five years would massively boost the UK’s clean energy generation, providing subsidy-free generating capacity equivalent to two Sizewell C nuclear power stations. The Government must take this opportunity and mandate solar panels for all new builds now.”

Liberal Democrat MP for Cheltenham Max Wilkinson has presented the New Homes (Solar Generation) Bill to Parliament. The Bill, also known as the Sunshine Bill, will receive its second reading on 17 January. Max Wilkinson said: “Such high levels of public support should come as no surprise, because putting solar energy generation equipment on all new homes is just common sense. It should have happened a long time ago. Lowering people’s bills and helping the environment by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is a win-win.”

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Notes to editors

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 2,180 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 8th – 10th November 2024.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

• Modelling carried out for The MCS Foundation showed that an average semi-detached home would save over £1,000 on energy bills if solar panels were installed under the Future Homes Standard, with an extra £300 saved if battery storage is added too. https://mcsfoundation.org.uk/news/mandatory-renewables-on-new-builds-would-save-average-household-1300-a-year/
• Last month an open letter from over 50 Parliamentarians as well as fuel poverty and environmental organisations called on the Government to mandate solar panels under the Future Homes Standard. https://mcsfoundation.org.uk/news/mps-and-charities-call-for-mandatory-solar-panels-on-new-homes/
• Government statements suggesting the Future Homes Standard will not mandate solar panels last month provoked anger from experts: https://mcsfoundation.org.uk/news/mps-and-charities-call-for-mandatory-solar-panels-on-new-homes/