Stricter rules on energy efficiency for new homes in England has led to a surge in solar panel installations, according to Solar Energy UK.
Its estimations suggest that 45,070 newbuild homes were completed in England over the fourth quarter of 2024, with figures from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme – the standards body for smaller-scale sustainable energy systems – finding 18,954 installations were made on newbuild properties over the same time period.
This means installations have risen more than three times over the past 12 months, with just 5,731 (13%) of 44,310 newbuilds being installed with solar panels over the final quarter of 2023.
David Cowdrey, Acting Chief Executive of the MCS Foundation, commented: “The rapid increase of solar PV installations in new builds over the past year highlights the importance of strong regulation in driving sector growth and demonstrates the industry’s capability to step up to meet rising demand. As the market for solar PV in new builds continues to grow, it’s crucial that we maintain this momentum through the Future Homes Standard, ensuring that both solar PV and low-carbon heating become standard features in all new homes.”
