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01 · Ask
Heat pump, solar, battery or all?
Different priorities, different ROI. Describe the house, the bills and the budget — the AI tells you what stacks up.
Plan for Future Homes Standard.
From 2026 new builds must be heat-pump or low-carbon heating — what this means for self-builders.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
20,000+UK homeowners
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Hire a renewables installer. MCS or no grant.
Read the brief on MCS, BUS grants, heat-loss surveys and right-sizing — then let Three local installers quote.
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02 · Read the brief
Walk in informed
BUS £7,500 heat pump grant, SEG export tariffs, MCS certification, EPC requirements, radiator upgrades. Know the rules.
60 seconds
03 · Compare
Compare 3 installer quotes
Three local installers quote on the same spec — heat-loss, sizing, grants, warranty — so the cheapest isn't accidentally the unfunded.
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Top tips
Hiring a renewable energy, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Use MCS-certified installers only.
BUS, ECO4, SEG payments all require MCS-certified installation. Any installer without MCS means no grants and no SEG export tariff.
Get a heat-loss survey for heat pumps.
Heat pumps must be properly sized to your house heat loss. Insist on a Heat Loss Calculation (MCS-recognised) — never a 'kW per m²' shortcut.
Check radiator compatibility.
Heat pumps run at lower flow temps (35–55°C vs 70°C for gas). Most existing rads are undersized. Cost: £200–£500 per upgraded rad — get this on the quote.
Don't oversize solar PV.
Generation beyond what you export earns 5–15p/kWh (SEG). Generation you use saves 30p+. Right-sized to consumption beats massive arrays for ROI.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Air source heat pump (install)Pre-grant
£8k–£14k
Ground source heat pump
£18k–£35k
Solar PV 4kW system
£6k–£9k
Battery storage (5kWh)
£3.5k–£6.5k
Solar thermal (hot water)
£4k–£7.5k
EV charger (Type 2, 7kW)
£800–£1.5k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
Infographic · VideoThe Renewable Energy briefing.
Infographic
Renewable Energy quick-view
Video guide
Renewable Energy explained
The Future Homes Standard (FHS) takes effect December 2026 with transition ending December 2027. Effectively bans gas boilers in UK new builds. Heat pumps, heat networks, or direct electric heating. 75-80% carbon reduction vs 2013 Part L. Expect to pay £10,000–£20,000 more per UK new build for compliant heating.
What Does the Work Involve?
Developer or self-builder switches from gas boiler to heat pump or heat network. ASHP outdoor unit. Indoor hot water cylinder. Underfloor heating preferred (low flow temp). Radiators sized for low flow temp. EV chargepoint mandatory (Part S). Solar PV often included.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASHP system new build | 8,000 | 15,000 | Better than retrofit |
| Underfloor heating new build | 3,000 | 10,000 | Standard floor area |
| Solar PV install | 5,000 | 10,000 | 3-5kW typical |
| EV chargepoint (Part S) | 800 | 1,500 | Mandatory |
| Improved fabric insulation | 3,000 | 8,000 | Better than Part L |
| Heat network connection | 2,500 | 8,000 | If available |
| Total FHS uplift per home | 10,000 | 20,000 | vs 2013 spec |
UK Regulations
Future Homes Standard legislation laid December 2025. In force December 2026. Transition period to December 2027. Part L (thermal) and Part F (ventilation) major updates. Part S (EV) and Part O (overheating) also apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gas boiler ban for new builds?
Effectively yes — carbon limits make gas non-compliant for new homes from Dec 2026.
Heat pump or heat network?
Both compliant. Network if available (urban). Heat pump rural/suburban most common.
Self-builder impact?
Plan for heat pump from start. Better fabric. Larger budget. PAS 2035 advisable.
Existing planning permission?
Transitional arrangements protect existing approvals if works commenced before deadline.
Running cost benefit?
Better insulation + heat pump = 30-50% lower running costs vs old Part L spec.
Selling premium FHS home?
EPC A/B rating premium. Lower bills marketable. Future-proofed.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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