Wales to require renewable electricity systems on new buildings from 2027
Wales will become the first part of the United Kingdom to effectively mandate solar power on new buildings when updated building regulations take effect on March 4, 2027. The move comes ahead of similar rules expected to be introduced in England.
While the updated regulations do not explicitly require photovoltaic installations, they introduce a requirement for “a system for renewable electricity generation” to be installed on-site for new buildings. Industry body Solar Energy UK said rooftop solar will likely be deployed “in virtually every circumstance” because it represents the most practical and affordable way to meet the requirement.
The rules will apply to new buildings whose construction has not begun before the regulations come into force.
“This is tremendous news for Wales and I applaud the Welsh Government for their wise decision,” said Chris Hewett, chief executive of Solar Energy UK. The trade association has long advocated for solar power to be “all but mandatory” on new homes and commercial buildings.
Exemption for impractical installations
The regulations include provisions designed to prevent uneconomical or impractical renewable systems from being installed purely for compliance purposes. If a proposed building cannot accommodate a system capable of generating at least 720 kWh of electricity per year, the requirement will not apply.
Part of a wider UK policy shift
Wales’ approach broadly aligns with policy proposals expected in England under the Future Homes Standard and Future Buildings Standard. The UK government is expected to finalize these regulations in 2026 and has already committed to requiring solar panels on new homes and buildings in England through the framework.
Elsewhere in the UK, progress on solar mandates has been more uneven. The government of Scotland has so far opted not to include a comparable solar requirement in its building regulations.
In Northern Ireland, however, energy efficiency standards have tightened in recent years, and Solar Energy UK said solar installations are “strongly expected” to become mandatory in the future.
Recommended News
View More
Join Us