In Episode 5 of the Stroma Insights Podcast, we previously explored the headline changes introduced by the Future Homes Standard 2026 and what they mean for new residential developments. In this latest episode, we move beyond the announcement and focus on how compliance may work in practice.
Our specialists discuss the new solar PV requirement, the evidence developers could need to provide, and the role of designers, planners, and building control in demonstrating compliance. You can hear the full recording of Episode 7: Future Homes Compliance below or read on for a practical summary of the key points currently being discussed across the industry.
Episode 7: The Future Homes Standard 2026 – Compliance in Practice
Key Takeaways
- The Future Homes Standard 2026 introduces a solar PV generation target of 40% of each dwelling’s ground-floor area, rather than a site-wide average.
- The guidance includes provisions for circumstances where the full PV target may not be achievable, although the practical application of those provisions is still being interpreted.
- Developers will find it easier to address Part L compliance during the earliest design and planning stages, rather than later in the construction process.
- Where a project cannot meet the standard approach, building control is likely to expect clear evidence showing what options have been explored.
- Stroma’s building performance and compliance specialists can help developers assess PV requirements early and reduce the risk of late-stage redesigns.
The New Solar PV Requirement
The Future Homes Standard, published in March 2026, introduces a significant new requirement for on-site renewable electricity generation. In most cases, rooftop solar PV is expected to provide generation equivalent to 40% of the dwelling’s ground-floor area.
On the surface, that requirement appears straightforward. In practice, it raises important questions about roof design, planning constraints, and how compliance will be evidenced through the building control process.
Part L and Visible Compliance
The new PV requirement sits within Approved Document Part L, which is used to demonstrate compliance with the Building Regulations. The resulting compliance documentation forms part of the information provided for the completed dwelling, so the renewable generation requirement is expected to become a visible element of the home’s energy performance.
How Are Developers Expected to Meet the Target?
To achieve the wider emissions targets set out in Part L, most new dwellings will already be using air-source heat pumps or another low-carbon heating solution. The additional requirement is then focused on the amount of renewable electricity generated on site.
Importantly, the calculation is applied to each individual dwelling, not across the development as a whole. The ground-floor area is used to determine a target level of electricity generation for that particular dwelling, which is then converted into the required solar PV capacity.
Based on the guidance currently available, many standard house types may be able to achieve the target using modern, standard-efficiency solar panels. The challenge is less about panel performance and more about ensuring the roof design can accommodate the required array.
The Exceptions Are Intentionally Narrow
Part L includes provisions for situations where the full PV requirement may not be achievable. However, because the guidance is still relatively new, the industry is continuing to develop a practical understanding of how those provisions may be interpreted by building control bodies.
Where a developer believes the full requirement cannot be met, they may need to provide evidence such as:
- Roof layout drawings showing the maximum achievable PV area
- Details of rooflights, dormers, or other obstructions
- Calculations demonstrating the generation that can realistically be achieved
- Evidence that alternative layouts have been considered
The guidance also references a minimum backstop generation level of 720 kWh per year. There may be a noticeable difference between the full 40% target and this backstop level, which is likely to be an area of further discussion as projects begin working through the new requirements.
What Happens If the PV Requirement Cannot Be Met?
Under the duty holder framework introduced through recent building control changes, the responsibility for demonstrating compliance sits with the relevant duty holders, including the principal designer.
If a proposed roof design cannot accommodate the required PV installation, building control may expect evidence that reasonable design modifications have been explored before any relaxation or dispensation is considered.
Questions that may need to be addressed:
- Can the roof be redesigned?
- Are there planning constraints that prevent changes?
- Has the planning authority required a specific roof form?
- Is the objection based on aesthetics rather than a physical limitation?
Where compliance cannot be achieved, the principal designer may need to provide a clear explanation of why further modifications are not reasonably possible, although the exact expectations are likely to become clearer as the standard is applied in practice.
Planning Needs to Consider Part L Earlier
Crucially, Part L compliance should be considered before planning approval is secured, not after construction has started.
For new applications, developers may benefit from discussing PV provision and energy strategy during the planning process. This can help ensure that roof designs, energy statements, and planning requirements align with the eventual Building Regulations submission.
Where developments already have planning permission, additional coordination may be needed to confirm that the approved roof designs can still accommodate the PV levels required under the Future Homes Standard 2026.
Why Early SAP Calculations Matter
The regulations are intended to work with a design-stage SAP assessment completed before construction begins. In reality, however, SAP calculations are sometimes submitted much later in the build programme.
Carrying out the SAP assessment early can help developers:
- Determine the required level of renewable generation
- Engage a PV designer at the appropriate stage
- Confirm the number and arrangement of panels needed
- Identify potential compliance issues before the roof is built
If exceptional circumstances arise, early assessment provides more time to gather the information and supporting evidence that building control may request.
Wider Site Infrastructure Considerations
The Future Homes Standard 2026 focuses primarily on compliance at the level of the individual dwelling. This creates additional considerations for larger developments. For example, a site may generate sufficient renewable electricity overall, but individual plots still need to demonstrate that they meet their specific target.
Developers also need to consider whether the local District Network Operator (DNO) can accommodate the export capacity associated with large numbers of PV installations across a development.
In Summary
Based on the guidance currently available, developers are likely to find the approval process more straightforward if they design for compliance from the outset rather than relying on exemptions, dispensations or relaxations.
Looking forward, the key practical steps are:
- Consider Part L requirements during the earliest design stages
- Discuss PV provision during the planning process
- Complete design-stage SAP assessments before construction starts
- Review roof layouts early to confirm panel capacity
- Treat any request for an exception as a last resort supported by detailed evidence
As the industry moves toward the new Home Energy Model (HEM), developers will need to continue adapting their design and compliance processes. The projects that plan for these requirements early are likely to have greater flexibility if changes are needed later in the programme.
Work with Stroma to Stay Ahead
Stroma’s building performance and compliance specialists are already working with SAP 10.3 to help developers model upcoming projects and assess Future Homes Standard 2026 requirements at an early stage.
We can support your team with PV sizing, Part L calculations, heat pump integration, and compliance strategy so that potential issues are identified before they affect the programme or cost. Contact our team to discuss how we can help with your next development.
FAQs
Is the Future Homes Standard in force?
Yes. The Future Homes Standard was published in March 2026, with implementation dates set out within the regulations and associated guidance. Developers should already be reviewing upcoming projects against the new requirements.
Does the 40% solar PV target apply across the whole site?
No. The requirement is currently framed around each individual dwelling, rather than the development as a whole. A site-wide surplus of renewable generation would not automatically demonstrate compliance for plots that do not meet their own target.
How is the PV target calculated?
The target is based on 40% of the dwelling’s ground-floor area. The calculation then converts that area into a required level of electricity generation using the methodology set out in Approved Document Part L.
Do I need premium high-efficiency solar panels?
In many standard housing layouts, the required generation may be achievable using modern standard-efficiency PV panels. The key factor is often the available roof area and layout, rather than the use of specialist panel technology.
What is the 720 kWh per year backstop level?
The Future Homes Standard 2026 references a minimum renewable generation level of 720 kWh per year. This appears to operate as a backstop where the full 40% target cannot be achieved, although the practical interpretation of this provision is still being discussed within the industry.
Can planning constraints be used as an automatic exemption from the PV requirement?
Not necessarily. Planning constraints may form part of the evidence submitted, but developers may still need to demonstrate why the roof cannot be redesigned or modified to improve PV provision.
When should the SAP calculation be completed?
The intention is that a design-stage SAP assessment is completed before construction begins. This allows the required PV generation level to be identified early enough for the roof design and PV specification to be coordinated properly.
What role does the principal designer play in Future Homes Standard compliance?
Under the current duty holder framework, the principal designer is expected to consider building regulations compliance from the earliest stages of the project. This includes how the proposed design will meet the Part L renewable generation requirements.
Could grid connection capacity affect a development’s PV strategy?
Yes. Larger developments may need to consider whether the local District Network Operator (DNO) can accommodate the export capacity associated with significant numbers of PV installations across the site.
Is SAP 10.3 still relevant under the Future Homes Standard 2026?
Yes. SAP 10.3 is currently being used as the transitional calculation methodology while the new Home Energy Model (HEM) is being developed. Projects starting under SAP 10.3 are expected to be able to continue using that methodology through to completion.
Can I be fined for failing to adhere to the Future Homes Standard 2026?
Failure to comply with the Building Regulations can lead to enforcement action by the relevant authority. The specific outcome will depend on the nature of the non-compliance and the enforcement powers available under the Building Act and associated regulations.