Solar panels plan for most new homes, says Miliband

BUILDERS could be required to install solar panels on the “vast majority” of new homes in England, according to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.

- WIKTOR SZYMANOWICZ

It comes a month after Downing Street confirmed the panels should be installed on as many new properties as possible amid speculation that ministers will make them a mandatory requirement on new builds by 2027.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Miliband described the proposed policy as “just common sense” and said the panels should be “almost universal” on English homes.

Changes to regulations will be laid out in the Future Homes Standard, due to be published later this year.

The previous Conservative Government considered a proposal that would have mandated rooftop solar panels to cover 40% of a building’s ground area or equivalent.