Between May 2024 and April 2025, the UK averaged 17,000 solar panel installations per month, highlighting a growing interest in renewable energy, but what do people really think about solar power?
A recent survey carried out by The Energy Savings Trust via YouGov has given an insight into views on solar panels, motivations, concerns and awareness of solar power. Here’s what was discovered.
Why Are People Choosing Solar Panels?
The main reason homeowners are choosing solar panels is clear – lower energy bills. 71% of respondents said reducing electricity costs was the top motivator for considering solar. Most homeowners will save up to 70% on their electricity bills with a well designed and installed solar PV system.
Environmental concerns also drive solar adoption, especially among younger homeowners, over half of 18-24 year olds cited environmental impact as a reason to go solar, compared to just 37% of those aged 55 and over.
What Concerns Do People Have About Solar Panels?
Despite the clear benefits of going solar, many homeowners remain cautious. 41% of respondents said they wouldn’t get solar panels even if cost wasn’t an issue. The main concerns were:
- Cost: 44% said solar panels are expensive. While in the past, solar has been a large investment, the costs of solar have decreased by over 80% in the last decade. A typical solar installation will cost £6,000-£7,500 and only starts increasing with upgrades and additions.
- Financial priority: 38% of people asked felt solar panels weren’t an immediate financial need. By installing solar panels sooner, you benefit from free electricity immediately, with finance options that can be offset against savings, your solar PV system can save you money from day one.
- Effectiveness: some people questioned remain unsure about how much electricity solar panels can realistically generate. Solar panel efficiency is higher than ever around 20-23% on most panels and with a well designed system, your solar PV system should provide sufficient electricity to power your home and cover most if not all of your electricity needs.
There are ways to maximise your savings too. Adding a solar battery, while increasing your initial investment, can improve your return on investment and save you even more, by providing around the clock free electricity by storing surplus electricity for use in the evenings and on low generation days. Signing up to receive payments for exporting excess electricity back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee can give you additional income, a smart tariff like Octopus Flux pays you more to export during peak demand times. Return on investment is between 6 and 10 years for a typical solar PV installation.
Can Solar Panels Generate Enough Electricity?
The survey showed that 62% of UK adults believe solar panels are effective at generating energy, but regional differences do exist. Those from Scotland and the North East were less confident, while those in Eastern England underestimated effectiveness despite high solar potential.
Avoiding Solar Panel Scams
Trust in the solar industry is a major concern. 61% of respondents worried about misleading solar installation offers, particularly retired homeowners. Independent advice is crucial, 36% of respondents said impartial guidance would make them more likely to install solar panels. By using an MCS-certified installer, you are making sure you are protected from poor quality solar installations. At SolarTherm UK we are also Gold Members of EPVS, all our performance and returns estimates are verified by an independent third party for accuracy and to check for over-inflation.
Get Expert Solar Advice
Thinking of switching to solar energy? Our solar panel calculator can help determine if solar is right for your home, even if you are still unsure about savings, installation costs or financial timing.
With finance options available, battery storage solutions and independent guidance, now is the perfect time to explore solar panel installation in Essex, Kent, London and the wider South East.
Contact SolarTherm UK today for a free no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice. If the figures show you won’t benefit from solar, we’ll be honest and let you know. Getting the right advice to make an informed decision is the most important factor when switching to solar.
Your home. your energy. Your future.
