Overview

• The UK government has confirmed that housebuilders will be legally required to install solar panels on almost all new homes in England starting in 2027.
• Under the mandate, 80% of new homes must have panels covering 40% of their roof area, with 19% requiring reduced coverage and 1% exempt due to feasibility constraints.
• The policy is expected to add £3,300–£4,000 to construction costs but save homeowners over £1,000 annually on energy bills, recouping costs within four years.
• Ministers are drafting government-funded loans and grants to retrofit solar panels on existing homes, aiming to boost solar capacity to 47 GW by 2030.
• The announcement has drawn support from industry groups and campaigners, while developers continue to push for greater flexibility and unions call for investment in green jobs and skills.