Builders will be required to fit solar panels to the "vast majority" of new build homes in England under changes to be published this year, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has said. The regulations will require developers to add panels unless the buildings fall under certain exemptions such as being covered by shade. Speaking to the BBC, Miliband said the move was "just common sense" adding that solar panels would save the typical household £500 a year on their energy bills. The Home Builders Federation said it backed fitting more panels but cautioned against introducing "burdensome" paperwork which it said could harm government efforts to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029. The rules will be included in the Future Homes Standard, which will detail a wider plan for improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. The government says it will be published in autumn but there will be a transitional period for developers to adjust to the regulation changes. Current building regulations do not compel developers to add solar panels to new homes. The last Conservative government consulted on new regulations including a proposal that new build homes should have rooftop solar panels covering the equivalent of 40% of the building's ground area. However, they were voted out of power before their proposed changes could be implemented. The Labour government is now promising to introduce rules which would mandate developers to add solar panels to all new builds. Asked if the government would stick to the 40% figure proposed by the previous Conservative government, Miliband said the details would be set out in the autumn. "The problem about the previous system was that it said you would had to have a certain percentage of coverage of solar panels but if you couldn't achieve that percentage you didn't have to do anything at all. "Under our plans, we are not going to say that. We are going to say even if you can't hit 40% you will still have to have some solar panels, except in rare exceptional cases." Miliband said the number of homes with solar panels had to be "much, much higher" adding: "It's got to be almost universal." Asked if he worried developers would pass the cost of adding solar panels on to buyers, Miliband said he didn't think there would be an effect on house prices. Neil Jefferson, head of the Home Builders Federation, said an estimated two in five new homes had solar panels and that the industry was "getting increasingly used to incorporating solar panels within the building of new homes". "The government just needs to take care to make sure that it does not prescribe and mandate to much on rooftops." "If every single home needs to be applied for on an exemption basis that will slow up the delivery of desperately-needed new homes, that administration will be burdensome." Chris Hewitt, from the trade body Solar Energy UK, said local authorities would have to be "vigilant" to ensure developers were meeting their obligations but added that it would be "quite easy to enforce". He also said he did not expect many homes to be exempt, estimating that 90% of new build homes would have to comply with the new rules. Asked if the sector had the skills to keep up with demand, Mr Hewitt said: "We are certainly aware that we need to train more people... that's something we as an industry are working on." The announcement comes a week after the government ditched a planning rule in order to make it easier for people to install heat pumps in their homes. Increasing solar power is one way the government hopes to reduce the country's carbon emissions. The UK is legally committed to reaching its net zero target by 2050, meaning the UK must cut carbon emissions until it removes as much as it produces, in line with the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. In 2022, emissions from residential buildings made up 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. The government's advisory body, the Climate Change Committee, has said the UK will not be able to meet its targets "without near complete decarbonisation of the housing stock". According to analysis by Carbon Brief, power generated by solar sites in the UK hit record highs this year, partly driven by particularly sunny weather. Between January and May, the level was 42% higher than the same period in 2024 and marked a 160% increase over the last decade. However, solar power remains the UK's sixth largest source of electricity, behind gas, wind, imports, nuclear and biomass. The net-zero goal was set by the previous Conservative government and retained by Labour. However, recently Conservative leader Kemi Badenochhas saidthe target is "impossible" to achieve "without a serious drop in our living standards or by bankrupting us". Reform UK have called for the target to be scrapped entirely, arguing it has led to higher energy bills, while the Greens and Liberal Democrats want the government to hit the target faster.
Most new build homes must have solar panels - Miliband
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"New Regulations to Require Solar Panels on Most New Build Homes in England"
Bbc News
7.5
TruthLens AI Summary
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has announced that the UK government will mandate the installation of solar panels on the majority of new build homes in England. This initiative is part of the forthcoming Future Homes Standard, aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. The new regulations will require developers to fit solar panels unless specific exemptions apply, such as properties that are significantly shaded. Miliband emphasized that this change is a practical step towards helping households save an estimated £500 annually on energy bills. The Home Builders Federation has expressed support for increased solar panel usage but raised concerns about potential bureaucratic obstacles that could hinder the government's goal of constructing 1.5 million new homes by 2029. Unlike the previous Conservative administration, which proposed a percentage-based requirement for solar panel coverage, the Labour government plans to ensure that some solar installation occurs even if the full percentage cannot be met, aiming for a nearly universal adoption of solar energy in new housing developments.
The push for solar panels is part of a broader strategy to achieve the UK's legally mandated net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050. In 2022, residential buildings accounted for 20% of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions. Despite the increasing output from solar energy, which saw significant growth in the first half of 2023, solar power still ranks as the sixth largest electricity source in the UK. Experts from the solar industry, including Chris Hewitt from Solar Energy UK, anticipate that local authorities will need to monitor compliance effectively, though they believe enforcement will be manageable. There are concerns about the capacity of the sector to meet the demand for solar installations, highlighting the need for increased training and workforce development. This regulatory shift follows recent government actions to facilitate the installation of heat pumps, further indicating a commitment to transitioning towards renewable energy solutions as part of a comprehensive approach to tackle climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The news article outlines a significant policy change proposed by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband regarding new build homes in England, mandating the installation of solar panels. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, aligning with current environmental priorities.
Intended Purpose of the News
The publication likely aims to communicate the government's commitment to sustainable practices and energy efficiency. By framing the installation of solar panels as "common sense," it seeks to normalize this requirement and garner public support for the initiative. The emphasis on potential savings for households also serves to appeal to the financial interests of the community.
Public Perception Goals
The article is designed to cultivate a perception of proactive governance, portraying the Labour government as a responsible steward of environmental concerns compared to its predecessors. By presenting the policy as beneficial and necessary, it aligns with the growing public demand for climate action, thereby reinforcing the government's image as progressive and environmentally conscious.
Potential Omissions or Concealments
While the article highlights the benefits of the new regulations, it glosses over potential drawbacks, such as the administrative burden on developers, which may slow down housing construction. This omission could lead to a skewed understanding of the policy's implications among the public and stakeholders.
Manipulative Elements
The language used promotes a positive narrative around the solar panel mandate, which may overshadow legitimate concerns from the Home Builders Federation. The framing of the policy as "just common sense" can be seen as a rhetorical strategy to diminish dissent and encourage compliance.
Truthfulness of the Report
The report appears factual, citing specific statements from a government official and referencing the position of the Home Builders Federation. However, the portrayal of the initiative may oversimplify the complexities involved in implementation, which could affect its overall credibility.
Community Impact and Target Audience
The article is likely to resonate with environmentally conscious communities and those facing high energy bills, as it promises financial relief. It targets homeowners and potential homebuyers while also appealing to those concerned about climate change and sustainability.
Economic and Market Effects
The announcement may influence the construction and renewable energy sectors positively, as increased demand for solar panels could boost related stocks. Companies involved in solar technology might see a rise in share prices due to anticipated growth in the market.
Global Context and Relevance
While the article focuses on national policy, it reflects broader global trends towards renewable energy and sustainability. Such policies are timely given the ongoing discussions around climate change and energy security, making this news relevant to international audiences.
Artificial Intelligence Influence
There is no explicit indication that artificial intelligence was used in the writing of this article. However, if AI tools were employed, they might have influenced the structuring of the report or the choice of language to enhance clarity and engagement. Any potential AI involvement would likely aim to streamline communication and ensure alignment with public sentiments on environmental issues.
In conclusion, the article serves to promote a government initiative that aligns with environmental goals while also managing public perception. The overall trustworthiness of the report is supported by factual content, though it may benefit from a more balanced presentation of potential challenges.