☀️ Solar Panels Will Be Mandatory on All New Homes from 2027 — What It Means for You

hannahharvey2
Jul 15
3 min read

By Limitless Energy | Air Source Heat Pump & Solar Installers | South Wales

Big changes are coming to the way homes are built in England — and likely Wales too in the near future. From 2027, all new-build homes in England will be legally required to include solar panels, as part of the UK government’s commitment to decarbonise housing.

At Limitless Energy, we believe this is a bold and positive step forward — and something we’ve been helping homeowners prepare for across Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, and beyond. In this article, we’ll explain what the 2027 solar mandate means, who it affects, and how you can benefit.

🏡What’s Changing in 2027?

From 2027, developers in England must install solar PV systems on almost all new homes. This is part of the Future Homes Standard, designed to eliminate fossil fuel heating and dramatically cut carbon emissions from housing.

Under the plan:

Solar panels will be compulsory for nearly all new-build homes
Gas boilers will be phased out, replaced by heat pumps or low-carbon heat networks
Homes must be highly energy-efficient, with improved insulation and airtightness

Only a small number of homes (estimated at under 10%) will be exempt — for example, those with heavy shading or very complex roof designs.

⚠️National Grid Challenges: Can It Cope?

Here’s where things get tricky.

As more homes start generating their own electricity — especially during the sunniest hours — the local electricity networks and the National Grid face serious pressure to keep up. In many areas, the grid simply doesn’t have the capacity to absorb the extra power being fed back from solar homes.

At Limitless Energy, we’ve seen this first-hand across South Wales, particularly in rural or semi-rural areas like Gower, the Valleys, and West Carmarthenshire. DNOs (Distribution Network Operators), like the National Grid here in Wales, are increasingly issuing export-limited connections — meaning your solar system may be allowed to power your home, but not feed energy back to the grid.

What This Means in Practice:

Export limits (set to 0 kW or 3.68 kW)
Voltage rises at your transformer may restrict how much solar you can install (limited to a 3.68kW inverter for example)
Long delays in getting permission to connect a new system
In some areas, grid upgrades may be needed — and they can be expensive
Batteries are becoming essential to store excess solar rather than export it

This is why we often recommend battery storage alongside solar — not just for energy independence, but because it consumes your generation rather and makes your system future-proof.

In roof solar panels on new build with slate roof | Solar Installation Swansea

💰Costs vs. Savings: Is It Worth It?

Yes — even with export limitations, the economics still stack up.

The cost of a standard solar installation will range from £3,000 to £6,000 per home, depending upon the size of any array, but homeowners can expect to save £500 to £1,000+ per year on their energy bills. If you use a battery to store power and use it in the evenings (or to charge an EV), your self-consumption rises — and your payback period shortens.

🌍What About Wales?

While this regulation currently applies to England only, Wales is expected to follow suit — especially given the Welsh Government’s strong focus on energy efficiency and climate targets.

We’re already working with developers across South Wales who are building to these higher standards now — adding solar, heat pumps, and EV readiness to stay ahead of legislation, meet energy performance targets (SAP ratings) and reduce their buyers' energy bills.

🛠️What Builders and Homeowners Should Do Now

We strongly recommend:

✅Planning solar and battery storage together, not as afterthoughts

✅Working with an installer who understands DNO applications and grid constraints

✅Designing homes with roof space and orientation optimised for PV

✅Considering heat pump and EV integration for a complete low-carbon solution.

New roof new solar panel with battery storage system | Installed by Limitless Energy Swansea

🔋How Limitless Energy Can Help

Whether you’re a homeowner, self-builder, or developer, we’re here to make the transition smooth and cost-effective. Based in Swansea, our team serves homes and new builds across South and West Wales, offering:

🔋High-efficiency solar PV and battery systems

🌬️Heat pump installation and servicing

🚗EV charge point supply and install

📐Design advice to meet new regulations

📄Full DNO & MCS paperwork management