Solar spearheads response to energy crisis

Solar Energy UK

23 March 2026

Solar Energy UK has hailed the Government’s decision to put solar power at the forefront of confronting the Iran War energy crisis. New homes and buildings are set to come with panels fitted as standard, with plug-in systems to be permitted and made widely available.

The Future Homes Standard and Future Buildings Standard will all but mandate the installation of solar panels, beginning next year. Combined with better standards of insulation and low-carbon heating systems, fitting solar panels to newbuild homes will slash bills by hundreds of pounds a year, ensuring that they are warm and comfortable to live in. Similarly, occupants of new and more efficient commercial buildings will save thousands of pounds each year.

A substantial proportion of new homes already come with solar power, though current rules have encouraged the delivery of unduly small arrays.[1] The new rules should promote larger and more effective installations.

Homeowners are already responding to the crisis directly, with solar installers receiving unpreceded numbers of inquiries for rooftop inquiries lately. Octopus has reported a 41% year-on-year increase in inquiries, the Times has reported.[2] Other companies have seen even greater rise in business.

“With grants to be made available soon for low-income groups under the Warm Homes Plan, more new homes being built with rooftop PV and now with plug-in systems coming for homes where that can’t be deployed, plus accelerating demand from the public, 2026 is bound to set a record for smaller-scale solar installations. That’s on top of expectations that more solar farms than ever before will be delivered this year, on top of an active market for commercial-scale rooftop systems, such as on supermarkets and warehouses,” said Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK. “All will have a knock-on effect to cut our bills and allow clean, home-grown energy to push pricey, polluting gas off the grid,” he added.

We look forward to responding to a new call for evidence on implementing the Warm Homes Plan.

Though plug-in solar panels – also known as balcony solar – are a common sight in Germany and the Netherlands, regulations here prevent their use. So Solar Energy UK welcomes plans to amend the BS 7671 wiring rules and the G98 code, which governs the smallest-scale connections to the grid. Doing so will allow plug-in systems of up to 800W. “Tailored safety standards” will also be introduced within months, says DESNZ.

“We don’t foresee plug-in solar being a rival for conventional home rooftop systems and it is important that safety will be ensured with amended rules. Only systems of up to 800 watts will be available, whereas domestic arrays are typically five times the size. Instead, we see it as making solar more popular and accessible, particularly for flats,” said Hewett.

Solar Energy UK also applauded the Government’s plans for energy companies to offer cheaper bills when renewable generation is at its maximum, on the windiest and sunniest days. This will largely benefit Scotland and eastern England.

Solar Energy UK looks forward to analysing the details of the initiatives and working with the Government, under the Solar Council, to drive the industry forward.

[1] More than four in ten new homes in England built with solar power – Solar Energy UK

[2] British homeowners rush to install solar panels amid Iran conflict – The Times

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Editor’s notes:

For more information or to request an interview, please contact:

Gareth Simkins, Senior Communications Adviser

gsimkins@solarenergyuk.org

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