People often ask why all new-build houses are not fitted with solar panels as standard. GILES BROWN asked if it should be a requirement for all new homes.

Nicky Gordon, managing director, Genesis Homes

Perhaps! Does that sound like I’m sitting on the fence?!

Of course, anything sustainable is a start and should be promoted. But used in isolation it is just that, a start.

At Genesis, we designed and piloted our ‘EcoGen’ net zero emitting homes in operation on a recent development. The results when used correctly are fantastic, not only saving the planet, but also in creating zero bills or even energy credit, along with energy resilience through maintained power supply when the grid goes down.

As an industry, a lot of developers are ready to adopt this approach and roll out sustainable power generation alongside smart home technology.

The issue has been the mixed messages from our previous government, who moved the adoption of certain energy changes several times and promoted air source heat pumps, which frankly are not the answer.

This needs committed government direction, financial support, and, importantly, user guidance as a smart energy home requires careful day to day user management.

Andrew Hewson, group design director, Story Homes

When it comes to the design of our homes, every decision we make considers how it meets our customers’ needs.

As a responsible housebuilder, it’s important to us that sustainable building techniques are used, ensuring we’re building homes that stand the test of time and can be enjoyed by future generations.

The homes at all of our new developments are fitted with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to conserve fuel and reduce greenhouse gases, contributing to an incredibly energy efficient overall product.

Not only is this renewable energy source better for the environment, it’s a cost-effective option for customers; PV panels can reduce electricity bills and there may also be the opportunity to sell excess power generated through an export tariff.

Considering the environmental benefits and cost savings – as well as the fact that they require very little maintenance – PV panels are a great option for new-build homes and their owners.

Julia Massey, low carbon communities project manager at Cumbria Action for Sustainability

The short answer is ‘absolutely’!

With high energy bills and the urgent need to reduce our carbon emissions and dependency on fossil fuels, we need to increase generation of renewable energy sources, like the sun!

Even in high rainfall areas like Cumbria, householders benefit from generating sufficient electricity for their own needs and selling back to the National Grid.

The benefit of legally mandated solar panels on new builds – already in place in the EU and on the horizon for us here in the UK - would be enormous.

It is far cheaper and easier to integrate them at the build stage and gives immediate benefit to the homeowner, the environment and creates local, green jobs.

We’d implore developers to maximise the potential of the roof space, rather than installing the minimum to get it right the first time.