NFRC welcomes launch of the Future Homes Standard Ready campaign

With rooftop solar expected to become standard on many new homes, ensuring systems are installed safely and correctly is critical.

As proud Members of the Future Homes Hub, NFRC supports the Future Homes Standard Ready Essentials, which aim to help the industry prepare for the upcoming changes. In particular, the principle to “Commission with Care” is essential. Proper commissioning ensures solar systems are installed safely, perform as expected, and do not compromise the building fabric. NFRC is making the case to government and industry that, if the UK needs a larger green skills workforce, the answer is simple: upskill roofers. They already understand roof systems, and solar could take up around 40% of new-build roof space, cutting into traditional roofing work. Supporting roofers to move into solar is the safest and most scalable route.

NFRC is working across industry to develop standards which ensure that solar PV systems are integrated into or onto roof systems properly. PV is not simply an electrical installation. It interacts directly with the roof structure, weatherproofing and long-term durability of the building. Ensuring the roof and solar system are designed and commissioned together is key to protecting future homeowners and maintaining building performance.

NFRC’s Head of Solar PV, Ben Rowlands, sits on the Future Homes Standard PV Implementation Group, where he is working alongside major housebuilders, solar installers and other industry stakeholders. The group is focused on ensuring solar systems will be deployed safely at scale and that roofing expertise is properly recognised within new build delivery.

This work reflects wider consumer protection concerns identified by NFRC. As solar deployment accelerates, there is growing evidence that standards and competence frameworks are struggling to keep pace with installation volumes.

NFRC has highlighted several risks that must be addressed as solar becomes more common in new homes, including:

• Fire and electrical safety risks from poor installation practices
• Compromised roof integrity and waterproofing
• Incorrect fixings, cracked tiles and detailing failures
• Installations undertaken without adequate understanding of the roof system

If solar is treated as an add-on rather than part of the roof system, these risks increase significantly. When roof integrity is compromised, the wider goals of energy efficiency, comfort and long-term value for homeowners can quickly be undermined.

NFRC believes the safest way to deliver rooftop solar at scale is to ensure roofing professionals are fully involved in design, installation and commissioning. Roofers already understand the structure, weatherproofing and performance of roof systems, making them essential partners in safe solar deployment.

As the Future Homes Standard approaches, NFRC will continue working with government, industry bodies and manufacturers to ensure that rooftop solar is installed safely, efficiently and in a way that protects both homeowners and the long-term performance of the building.

We recommend our Members and any industry stakeholders working in new build familiarise themselves with the Future Homes Standard Ready Essentials.