Solar panel sales have risen sharply since the start of the Middle East conflict, according to Octopus Energy – with households opting for larger arrays of roof panels. Sales were up 50% since after the war pushed oil and gas prices up.
Consumer expert Holly Hamilton explains whether they are worth your cash, and the grants available that could help you get them installed in your home. Plus, how, in just a few months’ time, you could be able to buy plug-in solar power from supermarkets.
Energy Prices Push Households Toward Solar.
The UK is experiencing a sharp rise in demand for solar panels as households look for ways to shield themselves from rising energy bills and global market instability.
Industry analysts say the surge is being driven by a combination of higher energy prices, falling installation costs and rapid improvements in home energy technology. Many households are now turning to solar as a way to gain greater control over their energy use.
Modern Eco-Friendly Home with Solar Panels (Image: D. Goug/Pexels)
Rising global energy prices, intensified by geopolitical instability, have pushed up the cost of oil and gas. With the energy price cap set to reset in July, many households expect bills to rise again and are acting early to reduce their exposure.
Solar energy is increasingly seen as a route to energy independence, offering families a buffer against future price shocks.
Costs Fall as Technology Improves
The cost of solar systems has dropped by around 40% since 2020, and installations currently benefit from zero VAT. This has made solar more accessible to a wider range of households.
There has also been a significant shift in technology. More homeowners are pairing panels with battery storage, allowing them to store electricity for use when prices are higher or sunlight is limited. While battery systems remain relatively expensive, with only around one in 20 homes currently using them, they are becoming more affordable.
Take up varies across the country, with the south west of England seeing the highest adoption rates.
Read more: BBC
