New polling from YouGov has revealed that 74% of the public believe solar panels should be mandated under the Future Homes Standard.
The Future Homes Standard, which is due to be legislated next year, is set to require developers to reduce carbon emissions from new homes by 75-80%, compared to current standards. Polling commissioned by The MCS Foundations found that 91% of UK adults are supporting proposals that new homes should be built to the highest energy efficiency standards.
A new statement from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government suggested that solar panels will not be mandated under the Future Homes Standard.
The statement said: “We want solar panels on as many new homes as possible, because they are a vital technology to help cut bills for families, boost our national energy security, and help deliver net zero. It’s also crucial we set standards for new homes in a way that allows for future innovation and flexibility in technology and design, which is why the building regulations do not mandate one particular option.”
The MCS Foundation has said that a lack of clarity is holding back the renewable sector. The charity also noted that failing to mandate solar panels for new builds would be “a huge missed opportunity” for energy security, lower carbon emissions and lower household energy bills.
David Cowdrey, acting chief executive at The MCS Foundation, said: “Solar panels generate enormous savings for owners of new-build homes, far outweighing the upfront cost of installing them. So it is no surprise that making solar panels the default for all new homes is hugely popular with the public.
“Requiring developers to fit solar panels on the 1.5m homes that are expected in the next five years would massively boost the UK’s clean energy generation, providing subsidy-free generating capacity equivalent to two Sizewell C nuclear power stations. The government must take this opportunity and mandate solar panels for all new builds now.”