Developers will be required to install solar panels and heat pumps in all new homes in England under updated planning requirements, as ministers set out new rules to reshape how properties are built.
The changes form part of the long-delayed Future Homes Standard, which mandates that new homes will not be connected to the gas network from 2028.
Instead, they will be relying on heat pumps or district heating networks, and the Standard will include rooftop solar panels covering an area equivalent to 40% of the ground floor.
Currently, around 5% of homes have solar installed, according to the government, which highlights the scale of rollout now being proposed.
The energy secretary, Ed Miliband, said: “The Iran war has once again shown our drive for clean power is essential for our energy security so we can escape the grip of fossil fuel markets we don’t control.
“Whether through solar panels fitted as standard on new homes or making it possible for people to purchase plug-in solar in shops, we are determined to roll out clean power so we can give our country energy sovereignty.”
Steve Reed, the housing secretary, said: “Building 1.5 million new homes also means building high-quality homes that are cheaper to run and warmer to live in.
“As we make the switch to clean, homegrown energy, today’s standard is what the future of housing can and should look like.”
Alongside the requirements for new-build homes, ministers are preparing to allow the sale of plug-in solar panels designed for balconies and small outdoor spaces.
Major retailers, including Lidl and Amazon, are expected to stock them.
These systems can be self-installed and do not require upfront installation costs.
They are already widely used across parts of Europe, with more than 1.5m homes in Germany estimated to have adopted the technology.
The panels are not sold domestically because they do not meet existing electrical safety regulations, which are now being reviewed by the government.
Housebuilders, meanwhile, have raised concerns about the scale of solar coverage required, particularly the 40% ground floor requirement.
Some developers say this could present design challenges.
Exemptions will apply where building design limits the available roof space, although full details have yet to be confirmed.
Ministers have not included battery storage as a requirement, despite the potential for higher savings where systems are paired with batteries.
In Scotland, gas and oil heating systems have already been banned in new-build homes.
Developers are required to install what are described as ‘climate-friendly’ alternatives, including heat pumps, district heating and wood burners.
However, the Conservatives have said government policy should prioritise domestic energy supply to reduce bills and it called for new licences for North Sea oil and gas production.
Member Since September 2018 – Comments: 3494 – Articles: 5
9:38 AM, 25th March 2026, About 11 hours ago
fine. Just expect the cost of new builds to rise and new owners to be stung with higher running costs (labour, supplies and cost of PP).
Don’t expect the developers to be able to guarantee that a set number of the new builds will be for affordable rent though even if promised by the end of the build (the situation already in effect). The cost to provide affordable rent units is paid for by the private sale of the others….
Even sales of shared ownership units is taking a tumble, with buyers getting screwed over on unforeseen costs and service charges. The level of those part buying then hoping to staircase has dropped like a stone too.
All these solar panels will no doubt be purchased from China too, just adding to the use of coal fired emissions, shipping costs, and being ever more tied to the Chinese…..
What could possibly go wrong?
Member Since August 2021 – Comments: 5
9:42 AM, 25th March 2026, About 11 hours ago
Heat Pumps and Solar Panels
Piping & Radiators: Heat pumps run at lower temperatures, you often need larger radiators to get the same heat. However, many modern systems can work with existing pipes if they are sized correctly; it’s the “microbore” (very thin) piping that usually causes the most trouble.
Noise & Vibration: While older units were loud, modern ones are roughly as quiet as a fridge or dishwasher. Vibration is usually an installation failure—if they aren’t mounted on proper anti-vibration feet, they can definitely hum through the walls.
Cold Performance: They do lose efficiency when it’s freezing, but they still work. In fact, Norway and Finland have some of the highest heat pump adoption rates in the world. The trick is having a house that is well-insulated enough to keep that heat in.
Solar panels can be destroyed by heavy hailstone storms too! All this Net Zero nonsense should not be forced on anyone. Why not have a National Referendum and see what the outcome would be?
Member Since April 2018 – Comments: 344
9:55 AM, 25th March 2026, About 10 hours ago
Oh what a lovely piece art to add to your property, to go well with all the “recycling” bins. Yes a house builder said her costs will rise with these pumps and solar panels and panels can not be fitted to some bespoke designs. I have a flat in a block which runs on bio fuel supplied by a tank in the basement which seems efficient and cheaper than gas.I understood this was the way forward where you have a big underground tank that can supply an estate.
Member Since June 2018 – Comments: 17
4:39 PM, 25th March 2026, About 4 hours ago
Maybe when the technology has improved, and running costs fall, and efficiency improves, they’ll be great.
Many of my tenants are not well off. Maybe only receive benefits.
They switch on their heating for an hour in the morning, or a couple of hours at night.
It’s cheap to heat their homes that way… just when theu’re there, and not in bed.
ASHP need to run 24 hours. They’re no good for drying clothes.
My tenants would not be able to afford to use the heating at all.
There’s a real lack of joined up thinking on all this, and i dare say there will be some backtracking with a replacement government in the future.
Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.
Not a member yet? Join In Seconds
Login with
Previous Article
Next Article
2 months ago | 20 comments
2 months ago | 18 comments
2 months ago | 3 comments
Members can reply to discussions, connect with experienced landlords, and access full member profiles showing years of expertise. Don’t stay on the sidelines – join the UK’s most active landlord community today.
Not a member yet? Join In Seconds
Login with
Sorry. You must be logged in to view this form.
Property118 stands as a leading online resource and community hub dedicated to providing landlords with the knowledge, tools, and support necessary to thrive in their property endeavors.
Copyright 2026 © Property118. All Rights Reserved. Website designed and coded with by Accent.

source