MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme), the UK’s quality mark for small-scale renewables like solar panels and heat pumps, has welcomed the government’s Future Homes Standard, which will mean that the majority of new homes in England from 2028 will have solar panels and low-carbon heating systems (such as heat pumps) by default.
Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, discusses what the Future Homes Standard could mean for industry.
Last year saw record-breaking numbers for small-scale renewables, with an MCS certified renewable installed every 90 seconds across 2025. This momentum has continued into 2026, with solar panels and battery storage seeing a particularly strong start to the year.
A key driver of recent growth has been the housebuilding sector, with 100,000 installations carried out on new builds in 2025 – 28% of all MCS certified installations. The Future Homes Standard is set to accelerate this demand.
What is the Future Homes Standard?
The Future Homes Standard is a change in Building Regulations that supports the government’s commitment to achieving net-zero by 2050. It was first consulted on in 2019, with further consultations published to refine its requirements, which were finalised and published on 24 March 2026.
It means that all new homes must produce 75% less carbon emissions than those built to 2013 standards, so the vast majority will come with solar panels and low-carbon heating systems (such as heat pumps) by default from 2028; a clear commitment to the role of small-scale renewable technology in decarbonising UK housing stock.
The role of certification
Although MCS certification is not mandated under the Future Homes Standard, it’s clear that housebuilders are already recognising the critical role that certification has to play in the newbuild market. It provides confidence to housebuilders that the technologies are being installed to industry-recognised standards and demonstrates a commitment to quality for their customers.
Installing to MCS standards complements Building Regulations and goes beyond minimum compliance to improve real-world energy efficiency outcomes. It is also often a requirement for consumers to be able to access competitively priced energy tariffs, alongside the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) which provides payment for excess generated energy that is exported back to the grid.
A unique opportunity
The Future Homes Standard is a great opportunity for the sector, particularly for MCS certified installers. As the demand for renewables in new builds grows, so too will the need for competent businesses to deliver these installations. MCS certification is a mark of quality that provides peace of mind, demonstrating that an installation business adheres to industry-recognised standards, is committed to best practice, and offers robust protections that go beyond the foundation required by policy.
The redeveloped MCS installer Scheme, which is rolling out over the coming months, has been shaped to support this growing demand. It puts consumer protection and quality at the heart of what we do, with certified installers playing a crucial role in helping to build long-lasting confidence in home-grown energy.
Looking ahead
As the industry prepares to deliver the Future Homes Standard and the £15 billion Warm Homes Plan, renewable energy installers will play a vital role to play in decarbonising UK housing stock. MCS certification is a mark of quality that helps installers to demonstrate they are committed to best industry practices and provide robust protections, and that will be critical in giving everyone the confidence they need to invest in these technologies.To find out more about how to get your business MCS certified, you can access MCS’ free interactive guide: www.mcscertified.com/installers/view-our-guide-to-certification
