U-turn as Government makes solar panels mandatory on all new homes by 2027

The Labour Government has announced a major policy shift, confirming that all new homes in England must be fitted with solar panels by 2027.

The move comes just months after ministers rejected the Sunshine Bill, marking a significant U-turn on renewable energy policy.

Environmental campaigners, including CPRE, have hailed the decision as a major victory for clean energy and climate action.

Government reverses another eco policy

The new commitment follows heavy criticism earlier this year when the government rejected the New Homes (Solar Generation) Bill, known as the Sunshine Bill.

The bill, proposed by Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson, aimed to make solar panels compulsory on all new-build homes but was rejected over fears it could impact housing supply, construction costs, and planning processes. Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook cited affordability and workforce challenges as key reasons behind the bill’s failure.

However, mounting political pressure, public support, and data from the Local Government Association (LGA) highlighted the missed opportunity: 60% of new homes still lacked solar panel installations.

The Government's new policy now overrides those earlier concerns, committing to full implementation by 2027 as part of the expanded Future Homes Standard.

A campaign win for climate and communities

The announcement marks a significant victory for CPRE, the countryside charity, which has led a national campaign to harness the power of rooftops.

Over 10,000 people supported CPRE’s push for the Sunshine Bill, part of a wider call for clean energy expansion without compromising the countryside.

CPRE CEO Roger Mortlock welcomed the move, saying: “The UK’s millions of rooftops have the potential to generate huge amounts of clean, cheap energy. This is a positive step that shows climate action and a thriving countryside can go hand in hand.”

Mortlock also called on ministers to go further, urging a national target for 60% of UK solar energy to come from rooftops.

Decision to cut costs, as well as carbon

Aside from its environmental impact, the policy is expected to deliver direct savings for homeowners, helping to offset the cost of adding solar panels.

The LGA reports that mandatory solar panels could save residents an estimated £440 per year on energy bills. With public backing at 82% for solar panels on new homes and commercial buildings, the move is both politically and practically popular.

However, campaigners warn the work is not done. CPRE and the LGA are calling for additional measures to expand rooftop solar to existing homes, warehouses, and car parks – while ensuring large-scale solar farms do not damage valuable farmland or natural landscapes.