If you’re considering buying a new build home, you’re probably exploring different locations and figuring out which house type best suits your lifestyle. However, as energy costs rise, it’s also worth considering how a new build property can support an environmentally friendly lifestyle.
From charging an electric car on the driveway to generating your own clean electricity, it’s become much easier for new build homebuyers to prioritise energy efficiency. Online searches for new build solar panels and EV chargers have jumped by up to 50% since 2024, peaking in early 2026 – a clear sign that eco-friendly features are topping many buyers’ wishlists.
Sustainable housebuilding has evolved significantly in recent years, with smart energy features now designed directly into the structure of new developments. This guide explains how EV charging points and solar panels work in a new build home, breaking down the legal regulations and the equipment involved, and exploring other sustainable ways to keep your living costs down.
Will my new build home come with an electric vehicle charger?
If your new build home comes with dedicated off-street parking, like a driveway or an allocated space, it will include a 7kW smart electric vehicle charging point as standard. This requirement was introduced in England under Part S of the Building Regulations in June 2022, with equivalent legislation enacted in Scotland, so any home built after these regulations were introduced will include an EV charger.
If you already drive an electric car or plan to make the switch in the future, having a dedicated charger fitted on the property means you won’t have to arrange and pay for separate electrical work after collecting your keys. You can plug in as soon as you move in – all you have to do is supply your car’s charging cable.
These chargers connect directly to your home’s electrical system. You can also link the charger to a smartphone app to access smart features, including scheduled charging. This allows you to charge your car during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lowest, such as overnight.
Charging a car at home on an off-peak tariff costs roughly 3p per mile*, which is roughly five times cheaper than charging them at a public rapid charger. This could save you up to £1400** annually – giving you more money to spend on your new home.
*this depends on your vehicle's efficiency, your driving efficiency and the price you pay for electricity.
**this depends on the above plus the miles travelled per year.
How do solar panels work on a new build property?
Alongside EV charging, solar panels are another smart way to lower your household running costs. They have become a standard feature on many new build developments – and with updated regulations under the Future Homes Standard taking effect in March 2027, they will soon be a mandatory requirement on all new build houses.
Roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels capture natural daylight and turn it into usable electricity for your home. You don't need bright sunshine for them to work, they will generate power throughout the day, even in overcast weather. By using self-generated solar energy to power your appliances, you cut down on the electricity you need to buy from your supplier, lowering your monthly bills.
When you move into a solar-equipped new build, you will receive an MCS certificate alongside your handover documents. This certificate acts as an official proof of quality, confirming that your solar installation meets national safety and technical standards.
Can solar panels be used to charge an electric car?
If your new build features both solar panels and a home EV charger, you can use the electricity generated on your roof to charge your vehicle. When your car is plugged in during the day, it automatically draws power from your home’s electrical system – meaning it will naturally absorb the clean solar electricity being generated via your solar panels.
Reducing new build running costs with batteries and tariffs
Beyond standard solar panels and EV chargers, there are some simple ways to make your new build home even more energy efficient.
After you’ve moved in, you could install a home battery storage system, which captures daytime solar electricity so you can use it in the evening or charge your car overnight. Solar panels and battery storage systems benefit from 0% VAT in the UK, making them both a sustainable and cost-effective choice.
Pairing this technology with a dedicated EV electricity tariff is the best way to cut down your reliance on more expensive grid energy. These tariffs offer significantly lower electricity rates during off-peak times – usually overnight between midnight and 5am – when national energy demand is lowest. By setting your smart charge app to operate during these hours, you can power your vehicle using cheap energy and reserve your daytime solar power for your household appliances.
Next steps for your move
At Miller Homes, we are committed to helping our customers live as sustainably as possible once they move into their new home. Explore our developments across the UK to find a plot equipped with EV charging and solar technology, or speak with a Development Sales Manager to learn more about the energy-efficient specifications available on your chosen site.