More homeowners will install solar panels in the rest of the year thanks to rising economic optimism and a more stable political environment.
That is according to sustainable energy firm Solar Together.
So far it’s been a disappointing year for uptake of solar panels, as 63,000 have been installed in the first six months of 2024, down from 83,000 in the same period last year.
George Frost, UK country manager at iChoosr, which delivers the Solar Together group buying initiatives, said: “While 2024 has so far seen a small drop in the number of households across England installing solar panels, we expect to see a sharp rise in activity across the rest of the year.
“With the cost-of-living crisis subsiding, economic growth prospects improving, and the incoming government putting a green energy revolution at the heart of its plans, the ingredients are there for a real uptick in solar panel installations across the rest of the year and beyond.
“With energy prices now more stable – and inflation having fallen significantly from where it was just 18 months ago – coinciding with improved political stability brought about by the election, the number of households installing solar panels is likely to rise in the coming months.
“The new government has not only brought in new measures to support the renewable energy industry as a whole, but also changed the overall mood regarding solar power – and this optimism is likely to bring about a greater urgency amongst both businesses and households to make the switch.”
Maldon in Essex is the area of the country with the highest proportion of solar panel adoptees in the first half of 2024, with over 1% of households in the area installing solar panels in that timeframe alone.
Through its scheme across Essex – in partnership with Essex County Council – Solar Together has supported nearly 2,500 households to install solar panels in a more affordable and stress-free fashion, including almost 300 in 2024 so far.
Among the other areas with the highest solar panel adoption rate in 2024 include The Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, The Isles of Scilly off Cornwall, Boston in Lincolnshire, and Westmorland and Furness in Cumbria. Nearly 1% of households in each area have installed solar panels in the last six months.
Winchester is the city with the highest proportion of residents installing solar panels this year.
A third (35%) of energy-conscious consumers in the UK say it is likely they will make the switch to renewables within the next five years.
