Solar PV for housebuilders & developers
What the Future Homes Standard means for a housebuilding programme: per-plot pricing, SAP 10.3 modelling, warranty-provider requirements and the transitional deadlines.
The FHS rollout is the biggest procurement change UK housebuilders have faced in a generation
Standard house types need redesigning to carry a heat pump and a larger PV array, and every house type needs SAP 10.3 modelling against the new targets. Per-plot costs for PV and heat pumps have to be priced into land bids written now, for homes that will commence after the transitional period.
The practical answer is to settle the six items opposite at procurement rather than on site. Each one is a question to put to any installer or supplier before you sign.
The per-plot price
Agree what it includes (panels, inverter, mounting, monitoring, MCS certification, commissioning) and how it moves over the build programme.
In-roof and the roofer
In-roof arrays replace the tiles they cover, so the roofing contractor and the solar installer need one programme and one flashing detail.
SAP 10.3 for every house type
Design-stage SAP for each house type and as-built SAP for each plot, with the array entered exactly as installed.
Warranty provider requirements
Confirm your structural warranty provider’s requirements for roof-integrated PV before the roof design is fixed.
Grid connection
Each home’s PV is notified to the network operator under G98 (up to 16 A per phase) or needs G99 approval above that. On large sites, raise capacity with the DNO early.
MCS certificates at handover
Every plot needs its MCS certificate so buyers can claim Smart Export Guarantee payments.
The developer workflow
Where solar fits a development programme, from land bid to plot handover.
Land bid stage
Price the FHS premium into the residual land valuation. Indicative per-plot solar pricing from installers is one of the inputs.
Detailed design
House type by house type: array layout, panel count, inverter sizing, cable routing and the SAP 10.3 modelling.
Roof and installation
In-roof trays go on with the roofing. Some panelised roof systems allow the array to be pre-fitted off-site.
Site and handover
Commissioning, network operator notification, the MCS certificate, as-built SAP and EPC, and the buyer’s handover documents.
Developer resources
FHS compliance checklist →
Plot-level checklist for Part L 2026 compliance: design, SAP, building control and handover.
Bulk procurement pricing →
How per-plot pricing works at scale, and what to agree before you sign.
Social housing →
Funding programmes, ownership models and registered provider procurement.
SAP & HEM modelling →
What SAP 10.3 modelling covers for each house type, and where the Home Energy Model fits.
Part L 2026 guide →
What the 2026 Approved Document L changes for a volume programme, and the transitional deadlines.
FHS compliance calculator →
Quick per-plot sizing: enter the ground floor area to get an array size and indicative cost.
Manufacturers you will see on UK new-build specifications
These brands commonly appear in new-build specifications. Before you commit, check the product is MCS-certified and ask your structural warranty provider what it requires for roof-integrated PV.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Future Homes Standard apply to a development?
Which compliance calculation applies?
How large does the PV array need to be?
What does the FHS add to per-plot cost?
Will a structural warranty provider accept roof-integrated PV?
How do housing associations procure solar?
Request developer pricing
Share your site, plot count and house types, and a solar installer can price a per-plot package. There is no obligation to go ahead.
- ✓ Sized to the 40% ground-floor-area rule
- ✓ For developer programmes and one-off self-builds
- ✓ Check any installer against the MCS register before you sign
Request a quote
A few details about the plot help an installer price it accurately.