As new builds raise the bar on energy performance, older homes are being left behind.
In 2025, homeowners are feeling the pressure – not just from rising energy bills, but from new building standards, sustainability targets, and changing buyer expectations. New-build homes are coming equipped with energy-efficient heating systems, smart technologies, and – most importantly – solar panels as standard.
So where does that leave older homes?
The short answer: playing catch-up. But with solar, there’s a powerful opportunity to level the playing field — and future-proof your property in the process.
Why New Builds Are Already Ahead
Modern building regulations demand high energy efficiency ratings, better insulation, and integrated renewable energy sources. The Future Homes Standard, coming into force in 2025, is pushing developers to ditch gas boilers and incorporate low-carbon tech like solar from day one.
That means:
- Lower energy bills for new homeowners
- More desirable homes on the market
- Higher EPC ratings (Energy Performance Certificates)
For older homes without solar or other upgrades, the gap is widening — fast.
Older Homes = Higher Bills Without Solar
With rising wholesale electricity prices and Ofgem’s energy price cap continuing to fluctuate, older properties without renewable solutions are far more vulnerable to market shocks.
For example:
- A typical UK household now spends £1,600–£2,000+ a year on electricity
- Solar panels can reduce bills by 60–70%
- With battery storage, you could achieve 80–90% energy independence
Without solar, older homes risk bleeding money on grid energy for the foreseeable future.
⚠️ Why Waiting Will Cost You
Here’s what delaying solar could mean in 2025:
- Missed savings of up to £1,200 per year
- Lower property value vs solar-equipped homes
- Falling EPC ratings could impact mortgage options or resale
- Net zero targets could introduce future penalties for carbon-heavy homes
Put simply: the longer you wait, the more expensive it gets — both financially and environmentally.
Real-World Example: Lower Shaw Booth Farm, Yorkshire
An 8kW solar system was installed on a beautiful Yorkshire stone roof at Lower Shaw Booth Farm in Wainstalls.
🔹 20 panels
🔹 6,120 kWh of annual energy generation
🔹 £51,068 in lifetime energy savings
🔹 1.5 tonnes of CO₂ avoided every year
🔹 Equivalent to planting 294 trees
While most companies charge extra for tricky roof types like Yorkshire stone, Novus Energy doesn’t. We specialise in bespoke installs for character homes — without the premium price tag.
🖇️ Read the full case study here
How Solar Future-Proofs Older Homes
Whether your home is Victorian, post-war, or 90s-built, solar can:
- Boost your EPC rating
- Slash your reliance on the National Grid
- Make your home more attractive to future buyers
- Help meet growing sustainability expectations
- Reduce your carbon footprint significantly
With smart monitoring and battery storage, you’re not just generating power — you’re taking control of it.
⚡ Ready to Catch Up?
While new homes may start with solar, older homes can outperform them with the right setup — and see serious returns in the process.
At Novus Energy, we install tailored solar systems on all roof types, including slate, stone, and complex builds. Our experienced team handles every detail — from design to install — and we’re ready to help you get ahead.
📞 Want to find out what your roof could save you?
Get in touch for a quote today, just fill out the form below…