HVP Magazine – Most consumers want more government incentives for home renewable energy sources

NEWS

Most consumers want greater government incentives for home renewable energy

Photo: Diyana Dimitrova/Shutterstock

According to a survey of over 1,000 respondents in the UK conducted in April and May 2024, UK homeowners are choosing to install solar panels mainly due to skyrocketing energy prices and maintenance costs, as well as a deep-seated concern for future of the environment.

However, despite enthusiasm for solar power, almost 90% of UK households believe the Government should introduce greater incentives for individuals and families to invest in renewable energy in their homes.

The results, which come from a survey of energy consumers by sustainable energy experts Solar Together, show the new policy could accelerate the transition to renewables and help the UK meet its net zero commitments. The perceived costs associated with installing solar panels discouraged 47% of households from making the switch.

Of those surveyed who already have solar panels installed, one-third did so primarily in response to climate change and a desire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, another 31% have installed solar panels, mainly due to rising maintenance costs over the past two years and rising energy bills.

Of those who have already made the switch, almost half (47%) say their energy costs have dropped dramatically since installing solar panels on their home. Another 37% saw a moderate drop in their energy bills. These savings show why more households are now installing solar panels – with the UK total expected to increase by 30% in 2023.

The survey also found that 35% of respondents who do not have solar panels say they are likely to switch to solar energy in the next five years. This is consistent with the fact that more than three-quarters of all respondents believe that renewable energy is as reliable and effective as traditional energy sources.

The study also sheds light on how energy consumption habits have evolved in the wake of the solar panel installation boom. More than a quarter of solar panel owners have become more aware of their energy consumption, actively reducing their consumption. This ties in with a broader desire among all respondents to reduce their energy use, with almost 70% saying they are concerned about how much energy they currently use.

George Frost, UK country manager at iChoosr, which runs Solar Together group purchasing schemes, said: “The vast majority of solar panel users never look back – and this survey highlights just some of the benefits that making the switch can bring.

“From saving on energy bills and being more aware of your energy usage to the pride of doing something positive for the environment, solar panels are helping UK households ease some of the pressure from rising living costs and put them on a more sustainable path for the future.

“Through our conversations with energy-conscious consumers across the country, we understand that the perceived costs and practicality of installing solar panels can be barriers to adoption.

“However, there are now programs like Solar Together that are providing huge savings for households and communities, and making the transition to new technology as smooth and stress-free as possible.”