England to require solar panels and low-carbon heating in most new homes from 2028
The Facts
- The UK government has published updated Future Homes Standard rules for England that will apply from 2028.
- Under the new rules, most new homes in England will need solar panels and low-carbon heating such as heat pumps.
- The guidance means new homes built from 2028 will not be on the gas network.
- The government says plug-in solar panels for existing homes will be available in shops within months.
- Officials said they are working with retailers such as Amazon and Lidl on the sale of plug-in solar panels.
- The government framed the measures as part of a clean-energy and energy-security response to the Iran war and its effect on fossil-fuel prices.
- The rules are intended to reduce households’ exposure to volatile fossil-fuel markets and energy bills.
Context
What is the Future Homes Standard?
It is the updated set of building rules for new homes in England, and the government says the version published this week will require low-carbon heating and on-site renewable electricity generation from 2028 BBC,CNBC,Anadolu Ajansı.
What are plug-in solar panels?
They are small solar units that can be connected to a home using an ordinary plug, often for balconies or outdoor spaces, and the government says it is working to make them available in shops within months Independent,inews.co.uk,London South East.
Why is the government linking this to the Iran war?
Ministers say the conflict has highlighted the risks of relying on fossil-fuel markets and has contributed to higher energy prices, so they are presenting clean power as an energy-security measure BBC,CNBC,Independent.
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Independent coverage (39)
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