6 June 2025

The MCS Foundation has welcomed the Government’s announcement that the vast majority of new homes will have solar panels and heat pumps under the Future Homes Standard. 

Garry Felgate, Chief Executive of The MCS Foundation, said: “These plans by the Government are a huge boost to the UK renewables sector, to our efforts to meet net zero, and in reducing energy costs for households.  

“This announcement clearly shows that clean energy in the UK is the future. Maximising renewable energy technologies can benefit households by reducing bills as well as enhancing our national energy security.” 

Notes to editors 

• In December 2023 the Government consulted on two options for the Future Homes Standard. Option 1 would have effectively mandated solar panels and heat pumps or low-carbon heat networks for all new homes. Option 2 would have effectively mandated just heat pumps or low-carbon heat networks, not solar panels. Today’s announcement confirms that solar panels will be included in the Future Homes Standard alongside heat pumps or low-carbon heat networks. 

• Research in 2024 by The MCS Foundation found that a household in an average three-bed new build semi-detached home would save over £1,000 a year if solar panels are installed as well as a heat pump. This figure rises by £300 if battery storage is added too.   
• In October 2024 The MCS Foundation coordinated a letter of more than 50 MPs, fuel poverty charities, and environmental groups calling for the Government to mandate solar panels on all new homes under the Future Homes Standard.