When will solar panels be mandatory?

In March 2024, the European Parliament approved a law requiring solar panels on all new residential buildings by 2030. The EU Solar Standard makes it mandatory for member states to gradually include solar installations in new public, commercial, and residential buildings.

Are solar panels compulsory in the UK?

Following a consultation by the UK Government, Solar Energy UK predicts that compulsory solar panels will be included in the upcoming Future Homes Standard and Future Buildings Standard (due for publication in late 2024). Are solar panels on new builds mandatory in Europe?

Do solar panels comply with building regulations?

Your solar panel system must comply with building regulations in terms of structural integrity, electrical safety and fire safety. These regulations may vary depending on the size and type of the installation. It's advisable to work with accredited installers who are familiar with these requirements.

Can solar PV panels be removed from a building specification?

Solar PV panels provide a cost-effective means of reducing emissions and energy bills. However, we recognise the practical barriers of installing solar PV panels, particularly in high-rise building conversions. As for new flats, for MCU buildings over 15 storeys, solar PV panels could be removed from the specification.

Do you need planning permission to install solar panels on your roof?

An increasing number of people are investing in solar energy. More and more homes are having solar panels, or solar tiles, installed on their roofs. Of course, with such installations, the topic of planning permission and building regulations often comes to the surface.

Are solar panels mandatory on new builds in the UK?

Solar panels aren't mandatory on new builds in the UK. However, other parts of the world have implemented requirements - in the EU, for example, solar panels will be mandatory on all new residential buildings by 2030.