A recent survey of 1,722 UK adults conducted by YouGov shows that 80% of people are in favour of Government regulations that make solar panels the default on new-build houses versus the 9% in opposition. Furthermore, two-thirds (66%) believe battery storage should be included in new homes to increase the efficiency of solar panels, and 60% want to see heat pumps included in all new builds. This comes as the Government prepares to consult on the proposed Future Homes Standard for England, which would set energy-efficiency requirements for homes built from April 2025.
MCS Charitable Foundation argues that carbon targets will be hard to meet unless solar panels, battery storage, and heat pumps are included as standards in the Future Homes Standard. These installation standards could help provide a boost to the renewable energy sector and make energy more efficient. The survey also found that 59% of respondents believe new homes should have alternative heating sources, like heat pumps, to replace the gas grid connection.
David Cowdrey, Director of External Affairs for MCS Charitable Foundation, stated that placing renewable energy in new-build housing should be a priority. He believes that including renewables in the Future Homes Standard would result in lower bills, carbon savings, and improved energy security with no taxpayer cost. Kara Davies, Residential Policy Analyst at Solar Energy UK, voiced approval of the survey results and of the necessity of including solar power and heat pumps in new build homes. Bean Beanland, Director for Growth and External Affairs at the Heat Pump Federation, highlighted the need to inform consumers as to the financial implications of Net Zero housing and the costs of retrofitting ill-equipped homes.
Overall, the survey results of 1,722 UK adults point to an overwhelming majority of people in support of more efficient and renewable energy sources in new-built houses. The current Government initiative, the Future Homes Standard, could make this a reality in the near future and provide a much-needed boost to the renewable energy sector and improved energy security.