What Changed
In June 2025, the UK government confirmed that the Future Homes Standard will make solar panel installations "almost universal" on new builds in England from 2027. This represents the largest expansion of solar PV requirements in UK history—and creates a massive opportunity for installers.
Market impact: England builds approximately 200,000 new homes per year (source: UK government housing statistics). If 90% require solar PV (which the policy targets), that's an estimated 180,000 installations annually—a sustained revenue stream for installers who are ready.
- Solar PV required on almost all new homes: final Future Homes Standard expected autumn 2027
- 40% ground floor area rule: solar panels must cover an area equivalent to at least 40% of the new home's ground floor area (where feasible)
- Flats divided by storeys: for apartment blocks, the dwelling floor area is divided by the number of storeys to calculate the required coverage
- "Reasonable amount" fallback: if 40% isn't achievable, developers must still install a reasonable amount of solar coverage (not a zero-install exemption)
- Blocks over 15 storeys exempt: solar PV not required for high-rise blocks (limited roof space, disproportionate maintenance costs)
- Battery storage not mandatory: government confirmed domestic battery storage will not be enforced under the legislation
From 2023 to 2024, the proportion of new builds fitted with solar panels soared from 13% to 42%. The Future Homes Standard will push this close to 100% for eligible properties.
Why Installers Care
This policy creates sustained demand for solar PV installers working with housebuilders and developers. However, compliance depends on accurate roof assessments and documentation at the design stage.
Design-stage surveys required: developers need roof assessments early in the planning process to confirm 40% coverage is achievable and to specify panel layouts that meet Building Regulations.
Structural considerations: new build roofs must be designed to accommodate solar panel loads (weight, wind uplift, fixing points). If this isn't factored into the structural design, retrofits can be costly or impossible.
Shading and orientation: north-facing roofs, shading from neighbouring buildings, or complex roof geometries can reduce available roof area. If the 40% rule can't be met, developers must document why and specify the "reasonable amount" being installed instead.
MCS compliance: installations must meet MCS standards (MIS 3002 for solar PV) to qualify for Building Regulations sign-off and any future grant schemes.
What's needed for Future Homes Standard compliance:
- Roof area calculation: total usable roof area, minus shading, obstructions, and non-suitable orientations
- 40% coverage calculation: ground floor area × 0.4 = required panel area
- Panel layout design: confirms 40% coverage is achievable (or documents why it isn't)
- Structural suitability: roof load capacity, fixing points, wind uplift considerations
- Shading analysis: neighbouring buildings, trees, roof features (chimneys, dormers, etc.)
- DNO notification: distribution network operator approval for grid connection
If these assessments aren't completed at the design stage, developers risk failing Building Regulations inspections when the property is built.
What to Capture on Site
For new build solar PV assessments, we document roof suitability and calculate achievable panel coverage during the site visit:
- Roof dimensions: length, width, pitch, orientation for all suitable roof planes
- Ground floor area: measured or taken from floor plans (for 40% calculation)
- Obstructions: chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, dormers, access hatches
- Shading sources: neighbouring buildings, trees, other roof planes
- Roof construction: tile type, batten spacing, rafter size (for structural assessment)
- Electrical meter location: distance to proposed inverter location, cable routing
- DNO requirements: local grid capacity, export limitations
- Panel layout design: specifies number of panels, orientation, total kWp, coverage %
If the 40% rule can't be met (e.g., due to shading, complex roof geometry, or structural limitations), surveyors should document the constraints and specify the maximum achievable coverage. This provides evidence for the "reasonable amount" fallback rule.
Survey Requirements
For Future Homes Standard compliance, solar PV surveys typically include:
- Roof assessment: dimensions, orientation, pitch, obstructions, shading analysis
- 40% coverage calculation: confirms whether Future Homes Standard requirement is achievable
- Panel layout design: specifies number of panels, total kWp, orientation, coverage %
- Structural notes: roof construction, load capacity, fixing point recommendations
- DNO requirements: grid connection capacity, export limitations
For new build projects, surveys can work from floor plans and site visits to complete assessments before the roof is built, helping developers plan solar PV installations at the design stage.
Common Future Homes Standard Challenges
Based on installers and developers we've worked with, here are the most common challenges with the 40% rule:
- North-facing roofs: many new builds have primary roof planes facing north, which reduces usable roof area for solar PV
- Complex roof geometry: hips, valleys, dormers, and multiple roof planes reduce the contiguous area available for panel arrays
- Shading from neighbouring buildings: high-density developments often have properties close together, causing shading that reduces usable roof area
- Structural capacity not designed-in: if solar loads aren't included in the structural design, retrofitting panels can require roof strengthening
- 40% rule fails, no "reasonable amount" documented: if developers can't meet 40% and don't document the fallback coverage, Building Regulations may reject the installation
By completing roof assessments at the design stage, developers can confirm 40% coverage is achievable or document the constraints that require the "reasonable amount" fallback.
Market Impact
The Future Homes Standard is expected to create an estimated 180,000 annual installations—a significant expansion of the UK solar PV market.
- Volume impact: England builds approximately 200,000 new homes per year (UK government statistics). If 90% require solar PV, that's an estimated 180,000 installations annually—a sustained market opportunity.
- Design-stage surveys: developers need roof assessments early in the planning process (pre-construction), creating demand for survey work 6-12 months before installation.
- MCS installer requirements: installations must be completed by MCS-certified installers to meet Building Regulations—installing without MCS certification risks Building Regulations rejection.
- Retrofit potential: existing new builds (13% had solar in 2023) may retrofit panels to align with market norms or future EPC requirements.
The policy represents a major shift toward renewable energy in new build construction, supporting the UK's net zero targets and creating sustained demand for solar PV installations.
Related Resources
For more on Future Homes Standard compliance and solar PV survey requirements: