Solar Panels Will Soon Be Mandatory On Every New Roof
If you've been keeping up with the Future Homes Standard, you'll probably be just as impatient as we are for it to be released, as it will largely dictate how new homes are constructed, as well as how current homes are heated and maintained. The latest revision has just been announced, and it'll impact how trusses are designed for the foreseeable future.
What's changing?
From autumn 2025, developers should fit solar panels by default on every new home. 'Should' in italics because, as always, they've not made it simple.
—Autumn 2025: The final regulations will be published and all new-build homes should include solar panels by default. However... there won't be any legal requirement yet. Why? No idea.
—December 2026: Regulations are legally introduced and a '12 month transition period' begins. If developers submit their plans before the end of this 12 month period, they can still follow the old 'rules'.
—December 2027: Transition period ends and all new homes must fully comply with the FHS and fit solar panels on new properties.
What are the stipulations?
For a start, this only applies for homes built in England. The solar panels should also cover around 40% of the home's roof, unless this isn't practically feasible. If it isn't feasible, builders must install a reasonable amount. What does that mean? Again, no clue.
How does this impact truss manufacturers?
For every roof we design, we stipulate the loads that the trusses will be subjected to. Once solar panels are introduced, the trusses will need to be designed with these loads in mind (depending on the type of solar panel, tiles, etc).
Will this make trusses more expensive?
Maybe, but also no (confusingly). If opting for standard trusses, most of the time, there is no need to increase the loads further than what we already specify. However, if opting for a flat roof or raised tie trusses, there could be some cost implications. Again though, it depends, and it'll largely be decided on a case-by-case basis.