Solar Energy UK have highlighted that Solar PV panels are expected to be included in new regulation to meet energy efficiency targets of homes and buildings in the UK, per Government plans.
Published on the 13th of December, the consultation on the Future of Homes Standard and Future Building Standard says that revisions in legislation will deliver ‘significant carbon savings, affordable running costs over time and prevent the use of gas or fossil fuels for heating and hot water. Therefore, avoiding costly retrofits in the future.’
These new standards must be affordable, practical, and safe. Solar energy meets these requirements.
The possibility of Solar PV panels not being set as a mandatory requirement on new houses has been condemned by the industry.
What the consultation does suggest, however, is two options for new build homes.
Both options could result in lower bills for consumers due to the use of Solar PV panels, wastewater heat recovery systems, high efficiency air source heat pumps and good fabric standards that minimise heat loss from windows, walls, floors and roofs.
Of the two options, it doesn’t say which is preferred but the adoption of Solar generation is highlighted as a minimal option for both.
Option One:
This proposal balances higher additional build costs against lower consumer bills. With this option, homebuilding costs may increase by £62,000 (on average) but costs of heating and hot water bills could decrease between £910-£2120 per year.
Installation of Solar PV, wastewater heat recovery systems, increased airtightness and decentralised mechanical ventilation will help lower consumer bills.
Option Two:
The second proposal does not include the use of the technologies in option one but does focus on lowering additional build costs of homes.
Option two is £1000 more expensive but will save £210-£1420 in overall running costs. For context, the cost to retrofit on existing homes to meet Net Zero standards (before subsides) would be about £12,000.
The consultation explained:
‘We have found no practical way to allow the installation of fossil fuel boilers while also delivering significant carbon savings and ‘zero carbon ready’ homes. We do not expect fossil fuel heating, such as gas, hybrid heat pumps and hydrogen ready boilers to meet these standards.’
How to implement the new regulations found in the Future of Homes Standard and Future Building Standard consultation are expected to be published next year to then be enforced in 2025.
The government have provided recommendations that non-domestic buildings adopt the use of Solar PV and have the panels span 40% of the buildings foundational area and include heat pumps for buildings lit from the side (e.g., offices, hotels, schools). For top lit buildings (warehouses, sports hall, etc), 75% of the buildings foundational area should be covered with Solar PVs or heat pumps.
Cost increases would occur for non-domestic buildings, but these would be minimal. Taking recommendations from option one would be a 2.1% increase, option two would be 1.9%.
The recommendations for non-domestic buildings are a step in the right direction but Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK, explained Solar PV on domestic homes must become mandatory.
“In all, the plans are another welcome step towards a truly solar nation. Although we are pleased that the Government is minded to make solar energy effectively mandatory on new non-domestic buildings, it is shocking that not doing so for homes is even on the table. Almost two decades after the Zero Carbon Homes policy was put forward and eight years after it was scrapped, the Government again runs the risk of a massive own goal. Solar Energy UK will press vigorously for solar to be applied to new build housing – cutting bills, saving carbon and helping us all move towards net zero.” – Chris Hewett
To read Solar Energy UK’s full report, click here.
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