Future homes need standards 

The Government is planning to introduce new building standards for homes built from 2025. Despite strong parliamentary and public support, recent Government statements have suggested that solar panels will not be included as a default requirement for all new homes under the standards. Failing to mandate solar PV for new homes would be a huge missed opportunity for lower energy bills and climate action. 

A recent report by The MCS Foundation found that installing solar panels on new homes would result in significant financial savings for households, with savings of over £1,000 a year for an average new-build semi-detached home. The savings are even greater when battery storage is added, with an extra £300 saved annually.  

The MCS Foundation is therefore calling for the Housing Minister to require a meaningful deployment of solar panels on the roof of all new homes. By mandating for smart homes in the Future Homes Standard, we would also be ensuring homes have lower energy bills and are able to sell excess energy back to the grid.  

On Friday 17 January, MPs will debate a bill proposed by Max Wilkinson MP which, if passed, would require solar panels to be mandated on all new homes. Will you write to your MP and ask them to back the Sunshine Bill? 

Our most recent survey of MPs shows that almost eight in ten (79%) believe all new homes should be built with solar panels on their roofs, and more than three in five (61%) believe all new homes should have battery storage. Polling also shows that the vast majority (74%) of the public believe solar panels should be mandatory on all new builds. So MPs should have every reason to back Max Wilkinson’s Sunshine Bill.  

We need to make sure that as many MPs as possible back the Sunshine Bill on Friday. Please take a moment to enter your details below which will take you to a written submission asking them for their support.