UK Mandates Solar Panels in Homes Due to Iran War and US-Israel Conflict

The UK is beginning to prepare for a transition to clean energy by encouraging homes to install solar panels and heat pumps. This shift is being undertaken as a result of the energy sector impacts from the Iran war and the United States (US)-Israel conflict.

The UK government is requiring housing developers to install solar panels and heat pumps in new homes. Portable solar panels will also be available in shops in the coming months. These steps are an effort to anticipate the impacts of the war in the Middle East.

“The Iran war once again shows that our push for clean energy is vital for our energy security so that we can free ourselves from the grip of fossil fuel markets that we do not control,” said the UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Edward Samuel Miliband or Ed Miliband, as reported by detikProperti on Thursday (26/3/2026).

More homes will be able to save on utility costs with the availability of portable solar panels. These solar panels are affordable and can be easily installed by owners themselves on balconies or outside the home.

Free solar energy can be obtained simply by plugging the device into a socket. Homeowners do not need to spend money on installation. The device also reduces electricity bills.

“Whether through solar panels installed as standard in new homes or by enabling people to buy ready-to-use solar panels in shops, we are determined to roll out clean energy so that we can deliver energy sovereignty to our country,” said Miliband.

New homes, through these efforts, are estimated to save up to £830 or Rp18.7 million (exchange rate Rp22,576) per year on energy expenditure compared to standard homes with an EPC rating of C. Homes with the new standards are more comfortable and affordable and produce at least 75% fewer carbon emissions than homes built to 2013 standards.