New homes, new rules: net zero expert responds to solar panel mandate
The Government has announced plans to require solar panels on most new homes, meaning the Future Homes Standard, due to be published in the autumn, is likely to make solar panels and heat pumps standard on new builds.
David Woon, head of net zero engineering and operations at consultancy Ennovus Solutions, welcomed the move but argued that its value depends on how it is applied. He said new homes are too often fitted with only one or two panels to meet minimum requirements, which limits the long-term benefit to occupiers and the environment.
Larger arrays, he said, would cut household energy bills further, generate more clean electricity and shorten the carbon payback period of an installation, particularly for components such as inverters whose embodied carbon is largely fixed. Buying equipment from European manufacturers where possible could also help reduce that footprint. He added that the same principles of maximising output, quality installation and careful contractor selection apply equally to commercial buildings.
On cost, Mr Woon cautioned against a race to the bottom. He stressed that installations must be safe, use good-quality equipment and follow established guidance, including the IET Code of Practice for Grid Connected Solar PV, the MCS Solar PV Standard and RC62 fire safety recommendations. Contractors, he said, should be judged on their commitment to safety, health, environment and quality as well as on price.
Source: Construction Industry News Magazine, original article (13 June 2025)
