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The UK is lagging far behind its European neighbours for installers working on heat pumps and solar panels, according to a European-wide study by plumbing and drainage manufacturer Wavin.
The new report follows the government’s recent additions to the Future Homes Standard, which aims to ensure that the majority of new build homes in England will be fitted with solar panels and efficient, low carbon heating, such as heat pumps, to keep household energy bills low.
The Wavin study found a sharp 10% drop between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025 in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) installers working on heat pumps, from 60% to 50%. This trend is seemingly fuelled by a shortage of skills, with just half (49%) of UK installers able to fit heat pumps, compared to 83% of their German counterparts.
Wavin has launched a new installer network, helping professional installers and developers deliver energy-efficient and lower-carbon homes with the introduction of Future Homes Standard.
Business development director for Wavin, Martyn Neil, said: “Installers are at the frontline of delivering sustainable projects and will continue to be key to achieving net zero in the construction industry. Wavin are ready to supply the housebuilders with the solutions required to meet Future Homes Standards. Working with our installer network, we can ensure developers are equipped with the latest knowledge and technology. Installers can support their customers through the process of becoming carbon neutral, by demonstrating that investments in heat pump technologies can deliver lower heating bills for consumers.”
