Future Homes Standard and plug-in solar for low-carbon homes
02 Apr 2026
On the 24th March, some more information about the Future Homes Standard (FHS) and the government’s plans to introduce plug-in solar panels within months were released, marking another significant step in the UK’s low-carbon housing transition.
What is the Future Homes Standard?
The Future Homes Standard is the new set of building regulations for England designed to ensure new homes are significantly more energy efficient, produce at least 75% fewer carbon emissions than homes built to 2013 standards, fitted with technologies such as solar photovoltaic (PV), low-carbon heating systems, including heat pumps, as standard from 2028.
What this means for the sector
The inclusion of solar panels and heat pumps as standard in new homes gives the industry a greater certainty and reinforces the need for a trained workforce to deliver these technologies safely and effectively. While the full implementation date now lands in March 2028 following the transition period, the clearer policy direction gives centres and employers greater confidence to continue investing in renewable skills now.
The wider industry’s reaction, including comments from the Heat Pump Association and other sector bodies, has focused on the value of this clarity in helping businesses invest confidently in skills, products and workforce development.
As Charlotte Lee, Chief Executive of HPA UK, said following the announcement: “We are delighted to get confirmation that following a transition period, all new homes and buildings will benefit from low-carbon heating such as heat pumps and heat networks. Coupled with solar PV, heat pumps and connections to heat networks provide a future-proofed solution which will strengthen the UK’s energy security.”
This growing certainty around low-carbon heating and solar integration gives approved centres a clearer basis for planning future learner demand.
Plug-in solar: positive progress, but safety must come first
Plans to make plug-in solar available through retailers within months could help widen access to renewable electricity, particularly for households unable to install traditional rooftop systems. This development could help broaden engagement with solar technologies, particularly for flats and homes where traditional rooftop PV may not be practical.
For LCL Awards, we echo the sentiment of the wider industry: innovation must be supported by robust standards, clear guidance and strong electrical safety principles. As plug-in solar moves closer to retail availability, it will be essential that the market develops with clear product standards, defined installation guidance and a continued focus on competent electrical practice, so innovation does not outpace safety.
What this means for approved centres
For centres already delivering renewable qualifications, the FHS strengthens the long-term outlook for demand in training for:
• Solar PV
• Heat pumps
• Electrical energy storage
• BS 7671 and electrical safety
• Low-carbon system design and commissioning
At the same time, the conversation around plug-in solar highlights the ongoing importance of competence-led training and up-to-date safety knowledge, particularly as new technologies become more accessible to the public.
For approved centres, this reinforces the value of keeping renewable and electrical provision aligned to the latest policy, product developments and safety expectations across the sector.
As the sector evolves, LCL Awards will continue to support approved centres with qualifications that reflect current industry standards, policy direction and the skills needed for safe renewable deployment.
On the 24th March, some more information about the Future Homes Standard (FHS) and the government’s plans to introduce plug-in solar panels within months were released, marking another significant step in the UK’s low-carbon housing transition.
What is the Future Homes Standard?
The Future Homes Standard is the new set of building regulations for England designed to ensure new homes are significantly more energy efficient, produce at least 75% fewer carbon emissions than homes built to 2013 standards, fitted with technologies such as solar photovoltaic (PV), low-carbon heating systems, including heat pumps, as standard from 2028.
What this means for the sector
The inclusion of solar panels and heat pumps as standard in new homes gives the industry a greater certainty and reinforces the need for a trained workforce to deliver these technologies safely and effectively. While the full implementation date now lands in March 2028 following the transition period, the clearer policy direction gives centres and employers greater confidence to continue investing in renewable skills now.
The wider industry’s reaction, including comments from the Heat Pump Association and other sector bodies, has focused on the value of this clarity in helping businesses invest confidently in skills, products and workforce development.
As Charlotte Lee, Chief Executive of HPA UK, said following the announcement: “We are delighted to get confirmation that following a transition period, all new homes and buildings will benefit from low-carbon heating such as heat pumps and heat networks. Coupled with solar PV, heat pumps and connections to heat networks provide a future-proofed solution which will strengthen the UK’s energy security.”
This growing certainty around low-carbon heating and solar integration gives approved centres a clearer basis for planning future learner demand.
Plug-in solar: positive progress, but safety must come first
Plans to make plug-in solar available through retailers within months could help widen access to renewable electricity, particularly for households unable to install traditional rooftop systems. This development could help broaden engagement with solar technologies, particularly for flats and homes where traditional rooftop PV may not be practical.
For LCL Awards, we echo the sentiment of the wider industry: innovation must be supported by robust standards, clear guidance and strong electrical safety principles. As plug-in solar moves closer to retail availability, it will be essential that the market develops with clear product standards, defined installation guidance and a continued focus on competent electrical practice, so innovation does not outpace safety.
What this means for approved centres
For centres already delivering renewable qualifications, the FHS strengthens the long-term outlook for demand in training for:
• Solar PV
• Heat pumps
• Electrical energy storage
• BS 7671 and electrical safety
• Low-carbon system design and commissioning
At the same time, the conversation around plug-in solar highlights the ongoing importance of competence-led training and up-to-date safety knowledge, particularly as new technologies become more accessible to the public.
For approved centres, this reinforces the value of keeping renewable and electrical provision aligned to the latest policy, product developments and safety expectations across the sector.
As the sector evolves, LCL Awards will continue to support approved centres with qualifications that reflect current industry standards, policy direction and the skills needed for safe renewable deployment.