UK to Require Solar Panels and Heat Pumps in New Homes by 2028
The UK government is accelerating its shift toward clean energy, with new rules set to require most new homes in England to include solar panels and low-carbon heating systems from 2028.
Under the Future Homes Standard, developers will be expected to install technologies such as heat pumps and rooftop solar—covering around 40% of a home’s ground floor area—with the aim of cutting emissions by around 75% compared to 2013 levels. The policy is designed to make homes significantly cheaper to run while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The government has framed the move as part of a wider push for energy security, particularly in response to recent global instability affecting oil and gas markets. Expanding homegrown energy is seen as key to protecting households from price volatility.
Alongside new build requirements, the government is also backing smaller-scale solutions. So-called “plug-in” solar panels—which can be connected directly to a standard socket—are expected to reach retailers within months. Already widely used across Europe, these systems could allow households, including renters, to generate electricity without installation costs and reduce their reliance on the grid.
The wider strategy also includes efforts to make better use of renewable energy already being generated. New pricing approaches could offer cheaper electricity during periods of high wind output, particularly in areas where excess power is currently curtailed.
However, the plans are not without challenges. Developers have warned the requirements could add up to £10,000 to the cost of building a home, raising concerns about affordability. While solar panels can reduce electricity bills, the upfront investment may take several years to pay back, depending on usage and energy prices. There are also wider questions around supply chains, with most panels manufactured overseas using energy-intensive processes.
Overall, the policy marks a shift toward embedding clean energy directly into homes—aiming to lower emissions, cut bills, and reduce the UK’s dependence on global fossil fuel markets.