Call for recruitment to support solar panel drive

Solar panels, or photovoltaics, capture the sun's energy and convert it into electricity

A solar panel company has called for a recruitment drive to support a government announcement for mandatory panels on the the majority of new-build homes from 2027.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the move was "just common sense" and solar panels would save the typical household £500 a year on energy bills.

The regulations will require developers to add panels unless the buildings fall under certain exemptions such as being covered by shade.

Terry Hayward, managing director of Solar Select in Droitwich, said the move could lead to issues with getting skilled labour in place.

He said: "In 2027 companies will gear up for it and start their own in-house training, but obviously it helps if it's government-backed for apprenticeship schemes."

He also said it was important the buildings had a "sensible amount" of panels fitted.

"I'm sure the industry will welcome this move," he said. "What we'd like to also see is a sensible amount of panels put on there."

Terry Hayward said skilled labour would be needed

Solar panels, or photovoltaics, capture the sun's energy and convert it into electricity to use in your home.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, domestic solar panels are generally about 3.5kWp (kilowatt peak) - meaning they typically generate that much power at peak conditions.

The government said the new rules would be included in the Future Homes Standard published in the autumn but there would be a transitional period for developers to adjust to the regulation changes.

North Herefordshire's Green Party MP Ellie Chowns said she was glad the "government had seen sense" on making solar panels mandatory but was also cautious.

"We should be making sure they're properly insulated, we should be making sure they're flood resilient, and [that they're] prevented from overheating," she added.