ECA (Electrical Contractors’ Association) welcomes the announcement of the Future Homes and Buildings Standards, which will come into effect from March 2027. The trade body contributed to the Government consultation on the new standards.
The Standards will make sure new homes and non-domestic buildings are future-proofed with low carbon heating and high levels of energy efficiency. They will ensure new homes emit, on average, at least 75% less carbon as a similar new build from 2013.
The new Standards mandate solar PV and heat pumps are installed in the majority of new homes, a move welcomed by ECA. Decoupling energy generation from the volatile oil and gas markets could help save families and businesses hundreds of pounds a year.
Plug-in solar panels
While ECA welcomes speeding up lower bills, the trade body, which has advocated for safe and reliable electrical installation for over a century, has significant concerns about ‘plug-in solar panels’. Many of these products available internationally are poorly manufactured, inadequately tested and are not designed for the UK electrical environment. This means variable build quality, no consistent UK safety standards, questionable long-term reliability, and connectors and cabling that are not designed for prolonged outdoor exposure in UK conditions.
Currently, solar panels are designed to integrate with a local electrical system. They require installation by a qualified electrician to maximise efficiency and cost savings. Without this degree of technical knowledge, a DIY install of a safety critical product could overload the system and cause fire and electrocution.
Speaking about the Future Homes Standards, Gary Parker, Head of Technical at ECA, said:
“I’m delighted to see a fabric-first approach and energy efficiency mandated in new builds from next year. ECA is a strong advocate for the transition to net zero and the deployment of well-designed, professionally installed low-carbon technologies.
“However, support for decarbonisation must never come at the expense of electrical safety, fire safety, or public confidence in the built environment.
“‘Plug-in solar’ products, are not fit for purpose within the UK’s safety-led electrical framework and should not be encouraged."
Last updated 25 March 26
