For anyone designing or constructing a new home, solar should therefore now be considered as part of the building itself rather than simply as an optional addition later.

​

​

Do New Build Homes Have to Have Solar Panels?

 

The position is changing.

​

At present, new homes are assessed against the energy-performance requirements of Building Regulations Part L. The existing 2021 Part L calculation already uses photovoltaic generation within the specification of the notional dwelling against which a new home's performance is assessed. For houses, that reference specification includes PV capacity related to 40% of the ground-floor area.

​

However, this does not currently mean that every new house must physically have solar panels. A developer has flexibility over how the required overall energy and carbon performance is achieved.

​

The 2026 Future Homes Standard changes that approach considerably.

​

A new Building Regulations requirement, L3, provides that when a building containing one or more new dwellings is erected, a system for on-site renewable electricity generation must normally be installed.

​

In practical terms, solar PV is expected to be the principal technology used to satisfy that requirement.

​

The government says this will mean solar panels are installed on the majority of new homes in England.

​

​

When Do the New Solar Rules Start?

 

This is important because there is currently a transition between standards.

​

The new Future Homes Standard technical specification was published on 24 March 2026.

​

The new standard comes into force on:

​

24 March 2027

There will then be a one-year transitional period to allow the construction industry to move onto the new requirements. There are separate longer arrangements for higher-risk buildings.

​

So somebody designing a new home during 2026 should already be thinking seriously about solar, even if the particular project initially falls within the previous Building Regulations regime.

​

For projects that may not start construction immediately, designing to the forthcoming standard from the outset can avoid having to reconsider the energy strategy later.

​

​

Will Every New Home Need Solar Panels?

 

No.

​

This is an important distinction.

​

The new rules are designed so that the majority, rather than literally every single new home, will have solar generation.

​

Requirement L3 allows exceptions where the building's design or surroundings make it impossible to install an on-site renewable electricity system capable of producing a reasonable output.

​

For example, there may be issues involving:

​

• Significant shading from surrounding trees or buildings

• Very limited suitable roof area

• Unusual roof forms

• Other substantial physical constraints

​

The guidance specifically recognises that there will be exceptional cases where there is insufficient usable roof area to produce a reasonable amount of solar electricity.

​

This is why the government generally describes solar as being installed on the vast majority of new build homes, rather than every new home without exception.

​

​

How Much Solar Will a New Build Need?

 

The new Approved Document L gives considerably more detail about what the government considers a reasonable level of renewable electricity generation.

​

For an individual new dwelling, the guidance uses a reference photovoltaic installation with panel area equivalent to 40% of the dwelling's ground-floor area, using panels rated at 0.22kWp per square metre.

​

The reference arrangement assumes panels are:

​

• Orientated between south-east and south-west

• Installed at a 45-degree pitch

• Not significantly overshadowed

​

Alternatively, the design can use the reasonably practicable available roof area where the standard reference output cannot be achieved.

​

This does not mean every house must literally cover 40% of its ground-floor area with solar panels.

​

It is an energy-output benchmark.

​

Different panel efficiencies, roof orientations and system arrangements can be used provided the required performance is achieved.

​

​

Designing a New Home Around Solar

 

One of the biggest advantages of installing solar panels on new construction is that the building can be designed with solar in mind.

​

With an existing house, the installer has to work with whatever roof orientation, roof shape, chimneys, dormers and rooflights already exist.

​

With a new build, many of these decisions can be influenced during design.

​

This provides an opportunity to consider:

​

• Roof orientation

• Roof pitch

• Available panel area

• Position of chimneys and flues

• Rooflight locations

• Vent terminals

• Shading

• Cable routes

• Inverter position

• Battery-storage location

• Electrical distribution

• Heat-pump integration

• EV charging

​

The 2026 Approved Document L specifically encourages designers to consider changes such as alternative panel orientations, higher-performance modules and the positioning of roof vents or architectural features where this enables more effective solar generation.

​

That is a significant change in thinking.

​

Rather than fitting solar into whatever roof space happens to remain, the roof can be designed around the energy system.

​

​

What Is the Best Roof Orientation for New Build Solar Panels?

 

South-facing roofs traditionally provide excellent solar performance in the UK, but solar panels do not have to face exactly south.

​

The Future Homes Standard reference arrangement allows an orientation between south-east and south-west when establishing its standard solar output.

​

East- and west-facing arrays can also be useful.

​

An east-facing array tends to generate more electricity earlier in the day, while a west-facing system produces more later in the afternoon.

​

For some households this can actually match the pattern of electricity consumption better than a purely south-facing installation.

​

With a new home, the architect or designer can consider both solar performance and the overall appearance and layout of the building when developing the roof design.

​

​

Solar Panels and New Build Roof Design

 

Simple roof shapes are usually easier to use efficiently for solar.

​

A large uninterrupted roof slope can provide considerably more useful panel space than a complicated roof containing several valleys, dormers, rooflights, chimneys and small projecting sections.

​

This does not mean architecture should be dictated entirely by solar panels.

​

It does mean that roof-mounted technology should form part of the design discussion from the beginning.

​

If solar is likely to be required, it makes little sense to design the optimum roof slope and then fill it with rooflights, vents and other equipment that could easily have been positioned elsewhere.

​

The new Approved Document L guidance specifically recognises the value of altering the position of architectural features and roof vents where practical to maximise solar generation.

​

​

Integrated Solar Panels for New Builds

 

A new build also offers the opportunity to consider integrated solar panels.

​

With a conventional installation, solar modules sit above the tiles or slates on a mounting rail.

​

An integrated system allows the panels to become part of the roof covering itself.

​

This can produce a cleaner and more contemporary appearance, particularly where the solar system is designed at the same time as the building.

​

Advantages can include:

​

• A more integrated roof appearance

• Reduced duplication of roof coverings beneath the panels

• Solar incorporated into the original construction programme

• Cleaner flashing and junction details

• Less of the visual appearance of a later retrofit

​

Conventional above-roof panels remain perfectly suitable for new homes, however, and can offer advantages in cost, ventilation and future replacement.

​

The best system will depend on the architectural design, budget and required performance.

​

​

Solar Panels and Heat Pumps on New Builds

 

Solar and heat pumps are likely to become an increasingly common combination.

​

The Future Homes Standard is designed around low-carbon heating, and its notional new dwelling uses a heat pump rather than a conventional fossil-fuel heating system.

​

A heat pump uses electricity.

​

Solar panels generate electricity.

​

Combining the two therefore creates an obvious opportunity for some of the energy generated on the property to contribute towards heating and hot-water consumption.

​

The two systems should not simply be installed independently.

​

A well-designed new home can consider:

​

• Heat-pump size

• Solar-array capacity

• Hot-water storage

• Electricity consumption

• Battery storage

• Smart controls

• Time-of-use tariffs

​

The objective is to create a coherent whole-house energy system.

​

​

Should a New Build Have a Solar Battery?

 

Battery storage is not essential for a solar system, but a new build is an excellent time to consider it.

​

Solar panels generate electricity whenever suitable daylight is available, which does not necessarily coincide with when the household uses the most power.

​

A battery can store surplus solar electricity for later use.

​

This can allow electricity generated during the day to contribute towards evening consumption.

​

If battery storage is likely to be added either initially or in the future, it makes sense to allow for it during construction.

​

Consider:

​

• A suitable battery location

• Electrical connections

• Ventilation where required

• Fire-safety considerations

• Access for maintenance

• Space around the equipment

• Future replacement

​

The 2026 Approved Document L specifically recognises both on-site electricity generation and battery storage and requires appropriate controls where such systems are installed.

​

​

Solar Panels and EV Charging

 

New homes increasingly combine several major electrical technologies.

​

A household could potentially have:

​

solar PV + battery storage + heat pump + EV charger

Designing these independently can miss opportunities.

​

A properly planned electrical system can potentially prioritise the use of solar-generated electricity, store surplus generation and charge an electric vehicle when appropriate.

​

For somebody commissioning an individual new home, discussing all these requirements with the electrical designer and solar installer before first fix can result in a cleaner and more flexible installation.

​

​

Solar Panel Wiring on a New Build

 

Retrofitted solar often requires installers to find a practical route for cables between the roof, inverter and consumer unit.

​

With a new build, cable routes can be incorporated within the building from the beginning.

​

This allows the design to provide:

​

• Suitable vertical service routes

• Dedicated containment

• Convenient inverter positions

• Electrical isolation

• Space around distribution equipment

• Future battery connections

​

This is one of the less visible but important benefits of planning solar during construction.

​

The result can be considerably neater than trying to route cables through a completed and decorated building.

​

​

Structural Design for Solar Panels

 

The roof structure should also be designed with the solar installation in mind.

​

Solar panels, mounting rails and fixings introduce permanent loads to the roof. Wind acting on the panels can also create significant forces, particularly on exposed sites.

​

Building Regulations require the structural safety of the roof to be considered.

​

When solar is part of the new-build specification, the structural engineer can account for the system during the original roof design rather than checking an existing structure retrospectively.

​

This also makes it easier to coordinate mounting points with rafters, trusses or other structural members.

​

​

Planning Permission for Solar Panels on a New Build

 

Where solar panels form part of a completely new house, they would normally be considered as part of the overall design submitted for planning permission.

​

The roof plans and elevations can therefore show the proposed panel arrangement from the outset.

​

For solar added later to an existing residential building, permitted development rights may allow installation without a separate planning application where the relevant limitations and conditions are satisfied.

​

Sensitive locations may require additional consideration, particularly:

​

• Conservation areas

• Listed buildings

• Buildings within the curtilage of listed buildings

• Certain flat-roof installations

​

For more detail, link this section to your APN Solar pages on Planning Permission for Solar Panels, Solar Panels in Conservation Areas and Solar Panels on Listed Buildings.

​

​

Do Solar Panels Need Building Regulations Approval?

 

Solar panels forming part of a new home will be incorporated into the overall Building Regulations design and compliance process.

​

Part L deals with energy and carbon performance, but other requirements remain relevant, including structural safety, electrical safety and fire safety.

​

The new Approved Document L specifically directs designers of renewable generation and energy-storage systems to consider the relevant fire and electrical requirements in Approved Documents B and P.

​

For a new build, solar should therefore form part of the complete technical design rather than being treated simply as equipment installed on top of a finished roof.

​

​

New Build Solar Panel Grants

 

People sometimes search for a new build solar panel grant, but government support schemes generally need to be considered carefully.

​

The current Warm Homes: Local Grant in England is aimed at improving eligible privately owned homes occupied by lower-income households and requires the property normally to have an EPC rating of D, E, F or G. Solar PV can be one of the measures funded.

​

That makes it primarily an existing-home improvement scheme, rather than the normal funding route for a newly constructed energy-efficient property.

​

For most self-build or developer new homes, solar should therefore be budgeted for as part of the construction and energy package rather than relying on a solar grant.

​

Funding programmes do change, so available support should always be checked when the project reaches construction stage.

​

​

Is It Cheaper to Install Solar During a New Build?

 

It can certainly be more efficient.

​

The solar installation itself still requires panels, inverter, mounting equipment, electrical work and commissioning, but several associated tasks can be incorporated into the normal construction process.

​

For example:

​

• Scaffolding may already be in place.

• Roofers are already working on the roof.

• Electrical routes are still accessible.

• The consumer unit can be designed for the system.

• Battery space can be provided.

• Structural design can include the solar loads.

• Roof penetrations and flashings can be coordinated.

• Integrated solar can replace some conventional roofing material.

​

This means that installing solar panels during new construction can avoid some of the disruption and duplication associated with retrofitting them later.

​

​

New Homes With Solar Panels

 

Solar is gradually moving from being an optional environmental upgrade to becoming part of the normal specification of a modern home.

​

The government's Future Homes Standard is a significant step in that direction.

​

From the new standard's implementation, new homes will combine higher energy efficiency with low-carbon heating and, in most cases, renewable electricity generation. Government policy specifically anticipates solar panels becoming standard on the majority of new homes.

For homeowners, this means the roof increasingly becomes part of the energy infrastructure of the house.

​

For designers and developers, it means solar needs to be considered much earlier in the design process.

​

​

Solar Panels for New Build Homes – FAQs

 

Do new build homes have to have solar panels?

Not every new home currently has to have solar panels. However, the Future Homes Standard introduces a requirement for on-site renewable electricity generation for new dwellings, subject to defined exceptions. The government expects this to result in solar panels on the majority of new homes.

​

When does the Future Homes Standard start?

The new standard comes into force in England on 24 March 2027, followed by a one-year transitional period.

​

Will every new home have solar panels?

No. Exceptions exist where the design or surroundings mean reasonable renewable electricity output cannot be achieved. The government therefore describes the policy as applying solar to the majority or vast majority of new homes.

​

How much solar will a new house need?

The 2026 guidance uses a benchmark equivalent to PV covering around 40% of the dwelling's ground-floor area, subject to output, available roof area, orientation and other practical factors.

​

Should I design the roof around solar panels?

It is worth considering solar at an early stage. Orientation, roof shape, rooflights, vents and chimneys can all affect the usable area and output of an array.

​

Can I use integrated solar panels on a new build?

Yes. New construction can be particularly suitable for integrated or in-roof PV because the system can be designed as part of the original roof covering.

​

Should I install a battery with new build solar panels?

A battery is optional, but designing for one during construction can make future installation easier and allows more solar electricity to potentially be retained for use later in the day.

​

Do new build solar panels need planning permission?

Where the panels form part of the original new-build design, they would normally be considered within the planning application for the development. Solar added to an existing completed house may qualify for permitted development subject to the relevant rules.

​

Can I get a grant for solar panels on a new build?

Do not assume so. Current schemes such as the Warm Homes: Local Grant are principally aimed at improving qualifying existing lower-performing homes, rather than funding solar as part of a conventional new-build project.

​

​

Building a New Home? Think About Solar From Day One

 

A new build provides an opportunity that an existing property cannot: the house and the solar installation can be designed together.

​

Roof orientation, panel layout, electrical infrastructure, heat pumps, battery storage and EV charging can all be considered before construction begins.

​

That can result in a cleaner installation, better use of the available roof and an energy system designed around the way the home will actually operate.

​

With the Future Homes Standard taking England towards solar generation on the majority of new homes, incorporating solar at the design stage is increasingly becoming part of good new-home design rather than simply an optional extra.

​

APN Solar can help you explore the options for your new home and connect you with experienced solar installers who can advise on system size, panel layout, batteries and installation.

​

​