Wales’ Solar Mandate
From March 2027, Wales will require renewable electricity generation in every new‑build home - effectively making solar the go‑to choice for developers. Published: March 17, 2026
Build a Zero Bills Home from the Start
Imagine moving into a brand-new home where energy bills are drastically reduced, your carbon footprint is lower, and your property stays comfortable all year round. With Octopus Energy’s Zero Bills Homes, powered by solar panels, a home battery, and a heat pump, this future is already possible for new builds across Wales and England. At Smart Energy Homes, we work with developers, builders, and homeowners to design and deliver high-performance energy systems that make Zero Bills Homes a reality from day one.
Building with Zero Bills technology from the outset allows renewable energy generation, storage, and low-carbon heating to be seamlessly integrated into the design of the home. By combining solar power, battery storage, and heat pump heating with smart energy management, new homes can achieve exceptional efficiency, lower running costs, and long-term sustainability while meeting the growing demand for future-ready housing.
How Zero Bills Homes Works
The system combines three core technologies to dramatically cut household energy costs:
PANELI SOLAR
Solar panels on your roof capture sunlight and turn it into electricity for your home. This clean energy powers your appliances, lighting, and heating first, reducing how much electricity you need from the grid - lowering your bills and your carbon footprint.
BATTERY STORAGE
Not all the energy your solar panels produce is used right away. A home battery stores the extra so you can use it later, like in the evening or at night. This helps you maximise your solar energy, save more, and rely less on the grid.
HEAT PUMP
A heat pump is a highly efficient system that heats your home and hot water using electricity. It captures heat from the air (or ground) and delivers it using far less energy than traditional boilers. When combined with solar panels and a battery, it keeps your home warm while minimising grid energy use.
Together, these three technologies create a self-reinforcing system: solar generates clean electricity, the battery stores it for later use, and the heat pump heats your home efficiently. The combination can dramatically lower your energy bills, sometimes approaching zero, while reducing your household carbon emissions.
Benefits of a Zero Bills New Build Home
Dramatically Reduced Energy Bills:
Generate and store your own power with solar panels and battery storage, reducing reliance on the grid and potentially achieving £0 energy bills for up to 10 years.
Lower Carbon Footprint:
Solar power and heat pumps provide clean, low-carbon energy, helping new homes reduce emissions and meet modern sustainability standards.
Year-Round Comfort:
Efficient heat pump systems keep homes warm in winter and provide reliable hot water all year round without energy bill spikes.
Future-Ready Housing:
Designed for the future of energy, Zero Bills Homes help protect homeowners from rising costs while increasing long-term property value.
Integrated from Day One:
Renewable technology is built into the design from the start, creating a seamless and highly efficient energy system.
Smart Energy Management:
Solar, battery storage, and heat pumps work together to generate, store, and optimise energy use for maximum efficiency and savings.
Who Can Benefit
Smart Energy Homes supports a wide range of new build projects across Wales and England. We work with:
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Property developers building Zero Bills housing developments
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Self-builders looking to create a future-ready home
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Housing associations delivering sustainable housing
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Builders wanting to meet modern energy standards and increase property appeal
Our team works closely with you from the design stage, assessing factors such as site orientation, roof space, building layout, and energy demand to design the most effective Zero Bills system for each property.
WHY SMART ENERGY HOMES?
Award Winning Team: Smart Energy Homes were named Wales’ Fastest Growing Firm and UK’s Fastest Growing Green Firm.
UK’s First Cosy Heat Pump Installer: We were the first company to be selected to install Octopus Energy’s Cosy Heat Pump.
Expertise Across Wales & England: Our teams understand regional housing types, climate conditions, and installation requirements.
Bespoke Retrofitting Solutions: No “one-size-fits-all” packages. Every property gets a tailored plan to maximise energy savings.
End-to-End Service: From survey and design to installation and ongoing support, we manage every step.
Focus on Quality & Compliance: All installations meet the highest standards and relevant UK building regulations.
Long-Term Savings: Our solutions are designed to deliver measurable reductions in energy bills over many years.
THE PROCESS
1) Consultation:
We begin with a detailed survey of your home to understand your energy use, roof suitability, and heating requirements.
2) System Design:
Based on the assessment, we design a customised system combining solar panels, battery storage, and a heat pump tailored to your home and lifestyle.
3) Installation:
Our certified installers carry out the retrofit with minimal disruption, ensuring everything is fitted correctly and efficiently.
4) Commissioning & Handover:
Once installed, we test and optimise the system, explain how it works, and provide guidance on maximising your savings.
5) Ongoing Support:
Smart Energy Homes remains available for maintenance, monitoring, and advice to ensure long-term performance
AREAS WE COVER
Wales – covering all regions including South Wales, Mid Wales, North Wales, and West Wales.
South West England – including the Bristol & Bath area, Gloucestershire & The Cotswolds, Somerset & Taunton, and Wiltshire & Swindon.
Wider West & Midlands – reaching parts of Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and surrounding areas.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ZERO BILLS HOMES
“Zero Bills gives you stability. You can plan, without having to worry about big, big bills. You’re helping yourself, you’re helping the planet. It’s a win-win, all round.” Fraser, Octopus Energy Zero Bills customer, Walthamstow
Important information about Zero Bills
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Fair Use Allowance: Zero Bills applies to typical home energy usage up to approximately double your expected annual electricity consumption.
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EV Charging: Electric vehicle charging is billed separately and is not included in Zero Bills.
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Guarantee Length: Zero Bills guarantees apply for 10 years.
Fair usage limits, terms and exclusions apply. Visit octopus.energy/zero-bills-home for more information.
Upgrade Your Home Today
Energy costs are rising, and homeowners and landlords need solutions that save money and reduce carbon emissions. Octopus Energy’s Zero Bills Homes offers a simple, high-impact retrofit solution that delivers measurable benefits without requiring a new build.
Whether your property is a traditional stone house in Wales, a Victorian terrace in England, or a modern build, our team can design a Zero Bills Home system that fits your home, lifestyle, and budget.
Take the first step toward a greener, more efficient home. Contact Smart Energy Homes today to book your consultation and start your Zero Bills Homes journey.
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QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST
Octopus Zero Bills Homes with Smart Energy Homes
Octopus Energy has launched a mission to build 100,000 “Zero Bills” homes by 2030, where houses equipped with solar panels, batteries and heat pumps generate and store their own clean energy so residents pay zero home energy bills for at least five to ten years. Published: February 26, 2026
Esboniad o Bwysedd Boeler
Boiler pressure plays a key role in keeping your heating system running safely and efficiently. Learn what it should be and how to fix common pressure issues. Published: January 27, 2026
Boiler Replacement: Guide for Homeowners
Old or unreliable boiler? Discover when it’s time to replace it and how a modern system can improve efficiency and comfort. Published: January 27, 2026
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Paneli Solar a Phympiau Gwres yn 2026: Canllaw i Gartref Clyfrach
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Wales’ Solar Mandate
From March 2027, Wales will require renewable electricity generation in every new‑build home - effectively making solar the go‑to choice for developers. Published: March 17, 2026
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