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Wales is set to become the first part of the UK to effectively require new buildings to have solar panels fitted as standard.
The Welsh government issued a circular on March 6 introducing energy efficiency amendments to Part L of the Building Regulations.
The amendments, which are due to enter into force on March 4 next year, make the technology a ‘functional requirement’ for homes and non-domestic buildings, where construction has not yet commenced.
This requirement will be extended a year later to works covered by building control approval, such as installing a new roof or renovations for a material change of use.
The amendments do not specifically refer to solar power but the requirement for ‘a system for renewable electricity generation’ to be installed on-site means that rooftop solar power is expected to be deployed in virtually every circumstance.
Chris Hewett, chief executive at Solar Energy UK, said: ‘This is tremendous news for Wales and I applaud the Welsh Government for their wise decision.’
The new Welsh rules parallel new requirements in England’s Future Homes Standard and Future Buildings Standard, which are expected to be finalised this year.
