More than 1.5 million homes in the UK now have solar panels installed, around 5% of all households. This number has been accelerating rapidly in recent years. Since 2020, solar installations have grown sharply as homeowners look for ways to cut their bills and shield themselves from soaring energy prices. 

A survey from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero found that 68% of homeowners have already or want to install solar panels in the near future. Solar is fast becoming a mainstream option for homeowners.

Where in the UK is solar most popular?

The highest proportion of solar panels in the UK is in the South West of England, which holds 8.5% of the total domestic solar panels. 

While panels are especially common in the South, thanks to higher levels of sunshine, solar energy is proving to be a smart investment across the entire country. Modern solar panels are designed to generate electricity even on cloudy days, making them a worthwhile choice no matter where you live.

Why Are Solar Panels Being Adopted by So Many?

Cost Benefits

With rising energy costs, solar is a way to protect yourself from fluctuations in the energy market and become more self-sufficient. Domestic solar began to boom after the Smart Export Guarantee was introduced in 2020, allowing solar households to sell excess energy back to the grid. A medium-sized array can help you save around £1,300 a year!

The financial barriers to solar are slowly being eroded with the rise of panels steadily coming down over the years. There are also new ways to pay for panels, including subscriptions with no upfront costs. That means savings from day one.

In conjunction with home batteries, solar panels can be extremely cost-beneficial. By using a Home Energy Management System, such as Loop Optimise, you can make the most of your green technology and boost your savings - potentially adding up to £360* additional savings a year. 

More Accessible

The government has launched some incentives to domestic solar panel installation such as the smart export guarantee (SEG) and removing VAT on home batteries. Subsidised solar panels are available to eligible households under schemes such as Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4). 

With the solar industry booming, more installers are rolling out attractive offers - like Utilita Home and Loop’s 2-for-1 solar panel deal or Sunsave’s subscription model - making it easier than ever for households to get solar.

Environmental Benefits

The environmental benefits of solar panels are also a factor in an age where more people than ever have eco anxiety. 

The average solar panel system can cut your carbon emissions by 1.6 tonnes each and every year. That’s a huge impact on your carbon footprint.

Overall, solar panels are becoming a popular option for households that want to lower their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint. They’re a smart investment, and as they become more accessible through innovative finance schemes and offers, more roofs than ever are being adorned with them. 

When are you going to get solar?

*Savings of £360 per year are based on a household using 3,500 kWh of electricity annually, with a 4 kWh solar array and a 10 kWh home battery system, on the Octopus Flux tariff rates as of October 2024. This assumes the home is a 3-bedroom property occupied by 2 people with no electric vehicle (EV), and their home battery is managed using Loop Optimise. Actual savings may vary depending on usage patterns, system specifications, weather and tariff changes.

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