A survey from City Plumbing has shed light on the market potential for solar energy and heat pump installations
The survey questioned 2,011 homeowners across the UK on solar energy and was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of City Plumbing.
The research has shed light on the strong interest in these eco-friendly technologies.
The survey found that nearly 60% of homeowners expressed an intention to invest in solar panels. 26% of respondents have already contemplated the installation of heat pumps, and 39% displayed familiarity with this technology.
The findings provide a positive outlook for the industry. According to the latest data from the MCS, over 1.3 million homes in the UK already have solar panel installations, representing 4.1% of the country’s 29 million homes.
Solar energy is suitable for any housing type
These installations are spread across various housing types, including detached, semi-detached, terraces, flats, and apartments, demonstrating the widespread appeal of solar energy solutions.
The survey also found the following insights:
- Homeowners, on average, anticipate installing solar panels within the next five years and five months.
- 71% of respondents expressed concern about the environmental impact of conventional energy sources, with only 8% indicating indifference.
- 64% of participants emphasised the importance of self-sufficiency in energy storage within their homes, with 19% considering it highly important.
- This sentiment was even more pronounced among younger age groups, with 80% of those aged 18-24 and 71% of those aged 25-34 valuing self-sufficiency.
- 75% of respondents considered solar panels to be a reliable source of energy.
“These statistics really do underline the market potential for solar PV and heat pumps in the UK and the opportunity ahead for installers who transition their business to new technologies,” said Hemal Morjaria, managing director of energy efficiency at City Plumbing.
“The opportunity to reduce energy bills remains a big driver for consumers, and that’s something heat pumps and solar PV can help tackle when combined with battery storage. This is a good time for installers, engineers, and electricians to take up training in how to install renewables,” he continued.
How to encourage more solar panel installation
The survey also asked participants to outline what policies would persuade more people to install solar panels; the top answers were:
- Reducing energy bills by 56% (rising to 67% for those aged 35-44).
- Government subsidies 32%.
- Generating my own energy 27%.
- Reducing carbon footprint by 24%.
They were asked to outline what was putting them off installing solar panels, they said:
- High upfront costs 70%.
- Reliability and maintenance 24%.
- Lack of knowledge about solar panels 23%.
- Limited space 18%.
- Perceived ugliness of panels 13%.
“Government support in providing subsidies to make renewables more affordable is part of the answer, but installers can play a big part in helping homeowners understand better the benefits too,” added Morjaria.
“What’s most encouraging from this survey is the sheer size of the potential market if together we can get it right. The public is showing interest in both Solar PV and heat pumps, and their knowledge is growing. All of us in the industry, including installers, can help to build that knowledge,” he concluded.
