The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) and NAPIT have both broadly welcomed the government’s Future Homes Standard, while raising concerns about the safety of plug-in solar panels. This new regulation will come into effect from March 2027 and aims to make sure new homes and non-domestic buildings are future proofed with low carbon heating and high levels of energy efficiency.
It will require most new homes to include solar PV panels and low carbon heating systems such as heat pumps. The government says the standards will ensure new homes produce at least 75% less carbon than those built in 2013, while improving overall energy efficiency. The move follows the Warm Homes Plan, which outlines how existing properties can be retrofitted with low carbon technologies. Ministers have also indicated that plug-in solar panels, which are already widely used in countries like Germany, could soon be available to UK homeowners.
NAPIT said the policy will create significant opportunities for its members working in solar, battery storage, EV charging and heat pump installation. Stephen Melton, NAPIT’s Director of Commercial and Compliance, stated:
“The new standards have been a long time coming but it makes total sense for all new homes to be built with solar panels and alternatives to gas heating installed as standard. Coming on the back of the Warm Homes Plan, it should offer further clarity and opportunity to our members involved in the low carbon energy sector and provide significant growth strands for their businesses.
“The ease of installation and adoption of these technologies at newbuild stage compared to retrofitting an existing home are much more cost effective, efficient and attractive to homeowners. This will also act as a shop window for existing homeowners considering switching to low carbon technologies, providing they are installed correctly by certified, competent installers.”
ECA also backed the move, highlighting the Future Homes Standard’s role in supporting Net Zero and reducing reliance on volatile oil and gas markets. Gary Parker, Head of Technical at ECA, said: “I’m delighted to see a fabric-first approach and energy efficiency mandated in new builds from next year. ECA is a strong advocate for the transition to Net Zero and the deployment of well-designed, professionally installed low carbon technologies.”
However, both Stephen Melton and Gary Parker expressed concern about plug-in solar panels. They warned that many products currently available internationally are not designed for the UK’s electrical systems and may pose risks.
Stephen commented: “Whilst we welcome any initiative that promotes the wider use of solar PV systems, the announcement around plug-in solar panels without the need for a qualified electrician, does raise concerns over safety.”
Gary added: “Support for decarbonisation must never come at the expense of electrical safety, fire safety or public confidence in the built environment. Plug-in solar products, are not fit for purpose within the UK’s safety-led electrical framework and should not be encouraged.”
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Rob Shepherd (author)
Rob is Consulting Editor for InstallerELECTRIC. He is a well-respected journalist with a strong history in the electrical sector.
