Drop in Installations
Recent data reveals a decrease in solar panel installations across England in the first half of 2024. The installation count fell to 63,000 panels this year, down from more than 83,000 during the same period last year, as reported by Solar Together.
Anticipated Increase in Adoption
Despite this decline, Solar Together anticipates a significant rise in solar panel adoption for the remainder of the year. Economic optimism and a more stable political environment are expected to drive this upward trend. The new Government has recently indicated its intention to ‘unleash a solar rooftop revolution’ by simplifying the installation process for solar panels on both new and existing homes.
Solar Together’s Impact
Solar Together, a group-buying initiative, aims to make solar panel and battery storage system purchases more affordable. By overcoming the high initial upfront costs often associated with solar panels, the initiative has played a key role in solar panel installations. In 2023, Solar Together accounted for 10% of all MCS-certified solar panel installations in England.
Top Areas for Solar Panel Adoption
Analysis reveals that Maldon in Essex had the highest proportion of solar panel adopters in the first half of 2024. Over 1% of households in this area installed solar panels during this period. Through its scheme in partnership with Essex County Council, Solar Together has assisted nearly 2,500 households in Essex with solar panel installations, including almost 300 in 2024 alone.
Other regions with notable solar panel adoption rates include The Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, The Isles of Scilly off Cornwall, Boston in Lincolnshire, and Westmorland and Furness in Cumbria. With nearly 1% of households in each area installing solar panels in the last six months.
Winchester Leads in Green Energy Adoption
Winchester tops the list of cities with the highest proportion of residents installing solar panels this year. Last year’s Solar Together study identified Winchester as the city with the highest proportion of ‘green energy champions’—households that have adopted renewable energy sources or electric vehicles. “Cornwall was identified as the county with the highest proportion of green energy champions.
Consumer Sentiment and Government Incentives
Recent findings from Solar Together indicate that 35% of UK energy-conscious consumers are likely to switch to renewable energy within the next five years. However, 90% of energy consumers believe there should be more government incentives for investing in renewable energy sources at home.
George Frost, UK Country Manager at iChoosr, which manages the Solar Together initiative, remarks: Despite a slight drop in solar panel installations so far in 2024, we expect a sharp increase in activity as the year progresses. The easing of the cost-of-living crisis, improved economic growth prospects, and the new government’s focus on a green energy revolution create a promising environment for increased solar panel installations.
Frost adds, With more stable energy prices and reduced inflation, coupled with improved political stability, households are more likely to install solar panels in the coming months. The new government’s measures and overall optimism are likely to drive a greater urgency among both businesses and households to adopt renewable energy solutions. Schemes like Solar Together simplify the process, making it more accessible for many households.
Ongoing Efforts
Since 2015, iChoosr has partnered with UK councils on Solar Together schemes to advance the nationwide transition to renewable energy. To date, Solar Together has facilitated more than 33,991 installations, projected to eliminate over 690,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over the next 25 years.