UK Plans Solar Panels for All New Homes by 2027

The UK government plans to mandate the installation of solar panels on nearly all new homes from 2027 as part of its net zero strategy, a move expected to add £3,000 to £4,000 to construction costs but potentially saving homeowners over £1,000 annually on energy bills. Labour's proposal to require solar panels on 1.5 million new homes could generate enough electricity to power an additional 1.17 million homes, with households potentially saving and earning nearly £600 per year through energy savings and selling surplus power back to the grid. However, housebuilders and industry experts warn that requirements, such as offsetting 40% of a home's carbon footprint and banning gas boilers, could be unrealistic, slow down housing delivery, and increase bureaucratic hurdles. Critics also argue that the policies may lack sufficient investment in green jobs and technologies, raising concerns about economic and employment impacts. Renewable energy advocates urge the government to strengthen incentives for retrofitting existing homes and to reform rules limiting microgeneration and energy export options. The debate underscores the tension between ambitious climate goals and practical challenges in the housing and construction sectors.