UK Councils To Government: Rooftop Solar Should Be Required On All New Homes

The UK’s Local Government Association (LGA) has called for mandatory rooftop solar panels on all new homes, urging the government to adopt stronger building standards to accelerate decarbonization and reduce household energy bills. This recommendation is outlined in the LGA’s April 2025 report, Empowering local climate action: Advice to government.

LGA’s Proposal: Solar As Standard

The LGA, representing councils across England and Wales, advocates for a new Future Homes and Buildings Standard that would require all new-build homes to be equipped with rooftop solar photovoltaic systems. This proposal follows the rejection of the so-called “Sunshine Bill” in January 2025, which aimed to mandate solar coverage equivalent to 40% of a home’s ground floor area.

Currently, only 40% of new homes in the UK include solar panels, leaving 60% without this energy-saving technology. The LGA emphasizes that integrating solar panels during construction is more cost-effective than retrofitting existing homes and can lead to significant energy savings for homeowners.

Economic & Environmental Benefits

According to the LGA, installing solar panels on new homes could reduce household energy bills by approximately £440 per year. Beyond individual savings, widespread adoption of rooftop solar would contribute to national goals of reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy security.

The LGA’s report also highlights the potential for local authorities to play a central role in achieving climate targets, provided they are granted the necessary powers and funding. Recommendations include legislative reforms to empower councils to set higher energy performance standards and the provision of grants and low-interest loans to support the installation of rooftop solar and other energy-saving measures.

Government Response & Future Outlook

In response to growing calls for mandatory rooftop solar, the UK government is expected to announce regulations requiring all new homes to have solar panels installed by 2027. This policy aligns with Labour’s net-zero agenda and aims to reduce emissions and cut energy bills. While developers have raised concerns about the feasibility of installing solar panels on all properties, the government has indicated flexibility for cases involving structural limitations.

Environmental groups and renewable energy advocates have welcomed the LGA’s push, saying it’s a no-brainer because it’s good for the planet, good for people’s wallets, and good for energy security. The LGA’s advocacy underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between national and local governments to achieve climate objectives and promote energy efficiency in the housing sector.​ For more details, the full LGA report is available here: Empowering local climate action: Advice to government