Summer Solstice Spotlight: Harnessing the Sun with In-Roof Solar for the Homes of Tomorrow

As the summer solstice marks the longest day of the year, it serves as a powerful reminder of the energy potential the sun provides—and how we can harness it to shape the homes of the future. With solar energy at its seasonal peak, there’s no better time to highlight the role of integrated solar solutions in modern housebuilding.

Amid this natural celebration of sunlight, the construction industry is preparing for major regulatory changes. The Future Homes Standard, set to be published in autumn 2025, will bring a renewed focus on cutting carbon emissions in new-build homes—expected to mandate reductions of 75–80% compared to current Building Regulations. Solar technology is poised to play a key role, particularly in developments where low-carbon heating options like heat pumps aren’t feasible.

Responding to this shift, manufacturers like wienerberger are leading innovation with products such as the Sandtoft in-roof solar panel system. Unlike traditional bolt-on solar solutions, in-roof systems are designed to integrate seamlessly into the roof structure during standard installation. They not only support compliance with evolving regulations but also preserve the architectural aesthetic of the home.

Each Sandtoft solar panel is lightweight (just 8.95 kg), mounts directly onto roof battens, and eliminates the need for separate racking systems. The panels are part of a complete solar roofing solution—including inverters, batteries, tiles, and accessories—streamlining installation and reducing both labour time and cost. This approach makes renewable energy generation a natural part of the roofing process, rather than a complex retrofit.

As regulatory pressures grow, the demand for solar-ready homes is increasing. This creates an opportunity to upskill the existing workforce, enabling roofing contractors to deliver more value and meet sustainability goals with confidence. Through its training programmes and digital tools, wienerberger is helping tradespeople expand their capabilities with hands-on learning that aligns with industry standards and future legislation.

This type of targeted support is key to addressing the construction skills gap and empowering professionals to deliver homes that are not only compliant but also cost-effective and futureproof.

With a government commitment to building 1.5 million new homes over the next parliament and policies such as the New Towns Code promoting design quality and sustainability, in-roof solar is well placed to become standard practice. If the forthcoming Future Homes Standard includes explicit support or incentives for power-generating materials, this could significantly accelerate adoption across the UK.

By embracing integrated solar systems now, housebuilders can stay ahead of regulation, reduce operational costs, and help meet national climate targets—all while delivering homes that are more efficient and desirable for future homeowners.

The summer solstice isn’t just a seasonal milestone—it’s a symbol of untapped solar potential. With innovative solutions like wienerberger’s Sandtoft in-roof solar panels, we have the tools to turn that potential into long-term, sustainable progress. As we move toward publication of the Future Homes Standard this autumn, now is the moment for industry-wide collaboration to ensure the homes we build today are ready for the climate and energy realities of tomorrow.