More and more people are interested in buying new build homes with solar panels installed. In fact, there is even pressure on the government to build more homes with solar panels as standard. We take a look at the benefits of solar and the government’s Future Homes Standard, as well as sharing links to new home developments where you’ll find energy-saving solar panels. Find out more…
The benefits of solar panels
The popularity of solar panels is the highest it’s ever been with a growing number of people realising their benefits. The biggest benefit we are all aware of is how they can save you money on your energy bills. The amount of saving will depend on how many panels you have and the amount of electricity you use. And as well as reducing bills, with solar panels you will also be reducing your carbon footprint. You’ll be reducing your dependence on the grid too. The more energy of your own that you generate, the less you will need to purchase from the energy companies.
In terms of their performance and maintenance, solar panels are incredibly straightforward. With no moving parts inside them, they run silently. And you won’t need to check them on a regular basis. You might need to clean them from time to time, or to remove any unwanted obstructions, but their angled position on your roof usually sees dirt and debris slide off or be washed off with the rain. And if you buy a property which only has a couple of solar panels installed, it is easy to scale up and add more panels, to increase your energy generation capacity.
Update on the Future Homes Standard
The Future Homes Standard is a commitment from the government that new build homes will be future-proofed with energy-efficient solutions to ensure they produce less carbon emissions. The aim is that new build homes will produce 75 – 80% less carbon emissions than homes built under the current Building Regulations. The standard in its current form is currently being reviewed by the government and we can expect it to be published in 2025. Once published, compliance with the Future Homes Standard will be mandatory.
While the standard is under review, there has been pressure put on the government to ensure new build homes come with solar panels as standard. As well as all the other benefits listed above, it will make sure that anyone buying a new build home won’t need to fork out for retrofitting solar panels at a later date. It will be interesting to see whether this pressure will come to any result when the Future Homes Standard is published.
Where you can buy new build homes with solar panels
Currently, most housebuilders choose select developments or select plots within developments to deliver their properties labelled ‘eco’. In this instance they usually have an EV charging point, solar panels and/or an air source heat pump.
It can be difficult, and time consuming, to find developments where new build homes come with solar panels as standard. But do not worry as we have done some of the searching for you. Here are some of the new developments across the country which come with solar panels, from a selection of housebuilders you will find on our website.
Whittle Brook Park in Heywood from Anwyl Homes
Anwyl Homes demonstrates its commitment to sustainability with the modern, energy-efficient construction methods used on its Whittle Brook Park development. From solar panels to air source heat pumps, the three and four-bedroom homes will help you reduce your energy bills as well as your carbon footprint.
Seen here is The Edgeworth, a modern three-bedroom family home spread over three floors. To the very top is a luxurious large room featuring an en suite and a walk-in wardrobe.
Located in Heywood, the Whittle Brook Park development is the perfect location for commuting into Manchester city centre, which is only 7 miles away.
Find out more about the development from Anwyl Homes here.
Abbey Park development in Thorney, Peterborough from Allison Homes
Now in its second phase, the Abbey Park development features 68 three and four-bedroom homes, all with solar panels and an EPC rating of A. Located in the picturesque village of Thorney with its strong sense of community, you have independent shops, cafes and restaurants on your doorstep with a good selection of schools and nurseries nearby. And with Peterborough city centre less than 8 miles away, you can enjoy days out as much as fast direct rail links to London, Stansted and Cambridge,
The property we’ve shared here is The Cottonwood on the Abbey Park development. It features plenty of space for growing families with a living room, expansive kitchen/dining area and a spacious study, utility room and cloakroom to the downstairs.
Find out more about the Abbey Park development from Allison Homes here.
Riven Stones development in Feniscowles, Lancashire from Taylor Wimpey
On the edge of Blackburn and close to Feniscowles village, the Riven Stones development features homes with PV solar panels and EV charging points as standard. The development of 225 high-quality homes from Taylor Wimpey allows you to enjoy semi-rural living in an eco-friendly way. New footpaths connect the development to the wider community and countryside while plenty of amenities can be found in nearby Feniscowles village.
The Manford, shown above, is one of the four-bedroom properties on the development. It features a separate study to the ground floor as well as an open plan kitchen dining space, made it ideal for modern day living.
Find out more about the Riven Stones development from Taylor Wimpey here.
Oak View from Cameron Homes in Atherstone, Warwickshire
Enjoy sustainable living on the former collier village of Wood End, where you’ll find the new Oak View development from Cameron Homes. Blending into its North Warwickshire farmland surroundings, this collection of stunning homes offers contemporary, stylish accommodation for modern families.
The property shown is The Hammond, an impressive three-bedroom property with a full-width kitchen at the heart of the home. With stylish design elements and premium appliances, including smart technology, this home is perfect for modern living. And with solar panels, you can benefit from all that renewable energy technology brings, including lower energy bills.
Don’t miss the homes on the Oak View development, find out more about them here.
Green Hills – The Farmstead Collection in Feniscowles, Blackburn from Kingswood Homes
There’s a lot to enjoy with the Green Hills development from Kingswood Homes. First off, its location which is situated on a Pennine hillside in Feniscowles, Blackburn where you can enjoy stunning countryside views as much as easy access to hillside and country walks. Then there’s the design of the properties on the development, which feature a wide range of individual designs by Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway, all inspired by Lancashire farmsteads and barns. And we can’t forget the energy efficiency of the homes, with solar panels an additional ‘eco’ feature.
We’ve given you a glimpse of the Weaver 3 home on the Green Hills development. This property has an excellent starting price and makes a great option for first-time buyers. It features a downstairs WC and utility room with a kitchen/diner to the front and a separate living room to the rear. And with an en suite to the master bedroom, it’s perfect for growing families.
Find out more about homes on the Green Hills development from Kingswood Homes here.
Get started looking for your dream new build home with our easy-to-use search tool. Simply type the area you hope to live near, and we will deliver the new build homes which are available nearby. While they might not all be homes with solar panels, you can rest assured that all new build homes are more energy efficient than older properties. Start your search here.
