Solar panels will be installed in standard new homes across the UK.
The UK government has a bold new plan in the works - solar cells will become a standard feature for new residential buildings, following a change in building regulations. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's administration revealed this news on a Friday, stating that practical concerns, such as homes surrounded by trees or shaded areas, will be considered.
This move could see a typical British dwelling save approximately 630 Euros annually with solar cells installed. To sweeten the deal further, households may receive a substantial discount of up to around 8900 Euros on the cost of a heat pump. These new homes will also be fitted with low-carbon heating systems like heat pumps and boast a high level of energy efficiency.
Greenpeace, an environmental organization, wholeheartedly supported the government's initiative. Ami McCarthy, a Greenpeace expert, expressed that the plan is an exceptional example of how both climate-damaging emissions and citizens' lives can be improved simultaneously. However, Greenpeace called for additional steps to revamp the UK's entire energy system. The UK aspires to attain carbon neutrality by 2050 at the latest.
Amid the UK's housing shortage, Labour Party leader Keir Starmer's plans call for the construction of 1.5 million new homes by 2029. Many experts expressed doubts that this target is achievable.
While a base savings of 630 Euros should be expected from the solar panel installation, the actual savings can vary depending on factors like the specific solar panel system, energy consumption, and additional features like battery storage. For new builds with optimal solar panel output, the savings can even surpass 1,000 Euros per year. Adding battery storage could further boost savings by around 300 Euros annually.
Houseowners can also earn additional income by selling excess energy back to the grid thanks to the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). As such, these projected savings are conservative estimates, as actual savings can vary significantly based on individual circumstances.
[Sources]1. Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): [https://www.energy-saving-trust.org.uk/home-energy-efficiency/what-is-the-smart-export-guarantee]2. Current energy price cap: [https://www.gov.uk/energy-price-cap]3. Cost comparison: [https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/ energy/solar-panels/]4. Additional savings with battery storage: [https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/ solar-panels/article/battery-storage-for-solar-power]5. SEG and savings potential: [https://www. gov.uk/government/publications/smart-export-guarantee-securing-the-future/smart-export-guarantee-securing-the-future--2]
- To implement the new policy, the UK government's community policy and employment policy will need to collaborate for the successful rollout of solar cells in residential construction.
- The renewable-energy sector, including solar cell manufacturing, could see an increase in demand with the new building regulations, potentially leading to job opportunities under the employment policy.
- The environmental impact of the industry can be minimized through the use of renewable energy and energy-efficient heating systems, helping the UK meet its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, as stated in its climate-change policy.
- The savings from solar cells and heat pumps, coupled with potential additional income from selling excess energy back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), could contribute to financial stability for households, particularly during periods of high energy prices.
