Solar Panels and EV Charger on New Builds — What's Standard in 2026

New builds in 2026 are equipped with technology that would have been an expensive upgrade just five years ago. EV chargers are now legally required, solar panels are increasingly standard, and smart meters are mandatory. Here is what to expect and how to verify you're receiving it.

EV Charge Point — Legally Mandatory

Since June 2022, **Building Regulations Part S** requires all new residential buildings with associated parking to include an EV-ready charge point. This is a legal requirement. Every qualifying new build must have one.

What to check:

• **Type** — a 7kW single-phase charge point is standard; some premium developers include a 22kW three-phase unit
• **Smart capability** — Part S requires the charge point to be smart (i.e., connected to the internet to allow scheduling and load management)
• **Location** — should be accessible from your parking space, ideally weatherproofed
• **Brand and warranty** — confirm who is responsible for maintenance

If a developer attempts to charge you for an EV charger as an optional extra, this is not compliant with Building Regulations.

Solar Panels

Solar PV panels are not yet legally mandatory on all new builds, but the Future Homes Standard calculations increasingly factor in renewable generation, leading most large housebuilders to include them as standard.

**If panels are included, check:**

**Ownership** — who owns the panels at completion?

• If **you own them outright**: they add value to the property and are a mortgage-straightforward asset
• If the developer retains ownership via a **solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA)**: you pay the developer (or an energy company) for the electricity generated, and the panels are not yours. This can complicate your mortgage (some lenders are uncomfortable with solar leases) and must be disclosed to your solicitor immediately.

**Panel specification** — total capacity in kilowatts peak (kWp), expected annual generation (kWh), warranty term (typically 25 years for panels, 10–12 years for inverter).

Battery Storage

Many developers offer battery storage as an upgrade (or include it on premium plots). A home battery stores surplus solar generation for use in the evening. Cost as a developer upgrade: £3,000–£6,000. Whether to take this at developer pricing or commission independently depends on the markup and your anticipated energy usage pattern.

Smart Meter — Mandatory From July 2021

All new builds must include a smart meter. Confirm it is installed, in-home display is present, and it has been commissioned (i.e., it is communicating with the energy network and showing usage data).

Smart Home Integration

Some developers offer smart home systems (thermostat integration, security, lighting control) as standard or upgrades. These can add value but also lock you into proprietary systems — check whether the system is compatible with standard smart home platforms before paying upgrade pricing.

All technical documentation — panel warranties, inverter manuals, EV charger installation certificates — should be stored in your Property Passport UK from day one. These documents are required by buyers and lenders on resale.