Russell Andrews
The Future Homes Standard will make rooftop solar the expected solution for most new homes in England, but not every new build. The government's implementation circular sets the main start date as 24 March 2027, with transitional arrangements. Our advice to buyers: check your plot's rules and written specification before assuming panels are included.
By Russell Andrews. Updated 12 October 2026.
When does the Future Homes Standard apply?
These are England's building regulations, not a single UK-wide solar mandate. The circular published on 24 March 2026 confirms requirements for on-site renewable electricity, low-carbon heating and energy efficiency. Publication in 2026 should not be confused with the main commencement date in 2027.
For ordinary housebuilding, earlier rules can continue where the relevant building notice or application is submitted before 24 March 2027. Qualifying work must then commence on the individual building before 24 March 2028. Higher-risk buildings have separate arrangements, including a 24 September 2027 commencement date for specified changes, as the transitional provisions explain.
That makes the reservation date or advertised completion date an unreliable shortcut. Ask the developer to confirm which regulations apply to your specific plot, rather than accepting a statement about the development generally.
Keep that confirmation alongside the specification. We recommend separating two questions: what the builder must provide, and what equipment you are actually buying.
Does every new home need its own panels?
No. The regulations' explanatory memorandum describes a requirement for renewable electricity generation, normally rooftop solar, with defined exceptions. The system must make generated electricity available to residents and deliver reasonable output for the building and its surroundings.
The new-build solar requirements therefore do not prescribe an identical panel package for every property. The memorandum identifies exceptions where a rooftop system cannot produce reasonable output, for defined buildings at least 18 metres tall, and for qualifying direct supplies from renewable generation elsewhere.
Limited roof space does not automatically mean no panels. The policy is intended to retain some generation on houses that cannot accommodate extensive coverage. Nor should buyers treat the earlier consultation proposal about 40% of ground-floor area as a universal final rule.
What should the sales specification say?
For solar panels on new builds, we recommend requesting a written schedule rather than relying on a roof illustration. Ask for:
The panel manufacturer, model, quantity and total rated capacity.
The estimated annual electricity generation and the assumptions behind it.
The inverter model, monitoring arrangements and whether a battery is included.
Confirmation of ownership and any roof lease or third-party agreement.
For flats, an explanation of who receives the electricity and any export income.
Have your conveyancer clarify any ownership restrictions before exchange. A useful specification should leave you knowing what belongs to you and who is responsible for it.
What will solar mean for your electricity bills?
Solar electricity used at home reduces the amount you need to buy from the grid. However, the Energy Saving Trust's guidance explains that savings depend on your location, how much generation you use yourself and whether you receive export payments. Panels are not a promise of a particular annual bill.
Our recommendation is to request the generation estimate separately from the savings forecast. Then ask which electricity prices, occupancy pattern and export assumptions were used. That makes a forecast easier to understand without mistaking it for a guarantee.
Getting paid for surplus electricity
The Smart Export Guarantee pays eligible small-scale generators for electricity exported to the grid. Ofgem's scheme guidance confirms that suppliers set their own rates and terms, with payments based on export meter readings. Do not assume payments start automatically when you collect the keys.
Before completion, request the installation certificates, commissioning records, operating instructions and warranty documents. Ask who will provide any paperwork needed for an export application, and arrange a demonstration of the monitoring system.
We also suggest recording the initial meter readings and checking that you can access the monitoring account yourself. Keep the developer's defect-reporting contact with your system documents so you know where to raise a handover problem.
Should you add a battery or plan an upgrade?
Battery storage for solar lets you keep surplus generation for later use. However, Energy Saving Trust's battery guidance cautions that bill savings do not always justify the purchase cost. Storage capacity should reflect your generation and electricity use, rather than the largest unit available.
Before making changes, gather the existing equipment details and check the developer's warranty conditions. Our home battery storage service is relevant if you want to discuss adding storage; share the inverter model and any available generation records with us.
If the plot has no panels, or you want to explore additional generation, our residential solar service is the appropriate starting point. Bring the roof plans, existing specification and details of any ownership restrictions to the conversation.
For a planned electric car, include your expected charging routine in that discussion. Energy Saving Trust's solar guidance explains that daytime charging can use electricity while panels are generating. Your routine matters as much as the equipment list.
The best next step is a clear handover, not an immediate upgrade. Once you know what the builder is providing, request a quote from us for any additional system you want to explore.