Max Wilkinson MP is celebrating victory in his campaign for solar energy generation technology to be included in all new homes as standard.

Following his Private Member's Bill earlier this year - known as the Sunshine Bill - the government announced that 'the vast majority' of new homes will now include solar panels as standard.

Max called for the law change shortly after becoming MP for Cheltenham last July. His Sunshine Bill was debated in the House of Commons in January and received widespread support from industry figures, the public and MPs from all parties.

As a result of his campaign and negotiations with ministers, Max secured commitments from the government that they would incorporate the measures set out in the Sunshine Bill into the updated Future Homes Standard.

Max Wilkinson, MP for Cheltenham, said: "This news will help us fight the cost-of-living crisis by lowering people's energy bills while reducing carbon emissions too.

"Mandatory solar and renewable energy generation for new build homes means the next generation of homes will be better for the planet and less expensive to run.

"I've been campaigning on this since long before I was an MP and was determined to build on its success after I was elected. I welcome the news from the government, and I'm pleased we can all look forward to a brighter future."

The regulations, announced by Energy Secretary Ed Milliband, will require developers to add panels unless the buildings fall under certain exemptions such as being covered by shade, as reported by the BBC.

Mr Miliband said the move would save the typical household £500 a year on their energy bills.

The rules will be included in the Future Homes Standard, to be published in the autumn, which will detail a wider plan for improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

Chris Hewett, from the trade body Solar Energy UK, said he didn't expect many homes to be exempt and estimated that 90% of new builds would need to comply with the new rules.

He said he was aware of the need to train more people to keep up with demand and that the industry is already working on it.

Emissions from residential buildings made up 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK in 2022.

Analysis by Carbon Brief shows that power generated by solar sites in the UK has hit record highs this year - up 42% in January to May compared to the same period last year - partly driven by particularly sunny weather.

But solar power is currently the UK's sixth largest source of electricity - trailing behind gas, wind, imports, nuclear and biomass.

Next week, the Liberal Democrats will be pushing for a vote in Parliament to ensure all new car parks are built with solar panels, with an amendment (NC7) to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

Car parks in Gloucestershire with solar panels include Tewkesbury Borough Council's staff car park and Cheltenham Lido car park - which will generate 93% of the Lido's annual electricity usage.