One in 10 UK adults say they wouldn’t install solar panels due to concerns like “the UK is never sunny enough” – despite the potential savings on energy bills.
A survey of 2,000 homeowners without solar panels highlighted some of the main concerns holding them back, with 22% saying they would never consider installing them due to various worries including upkeep, expense and potential damage.
Almost half (47%) are deterred by the length of time it supposedly takes to get a return on their investment, while 69% believe the upfront costs are too steep to warrant making the change.
Specialists argue that these misconceptions are causing nearly four million households to miss out on the chance to slash their electricity bills by up to 70%.
The research, commissioned by Utilita Energy, coincides with the firm’s commitment to roll out a nationwide solar panel fitting taskforce. The team at Utilita Energy plans to equip as many as 500 homes each month with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Other concerns include the potential for damage to roofs and a lack of interest in going green. On the flip side, environmental impact is a point of contention for 35% who are concerned about the production process of solar panels and how they are disposed of at the end of their lifespan.
Bill Bullen, founder and CEO of Utilita Energy, is a staunch supporter of the UK’s solar revolution. He emphasises that misinformation and outdated perceptions are preventing people from embracing solar technology.
“Many people believe solar panels need constant sunshine to be effective. But this isn’t true. Some of the most productive days for solar energy can actually occur during colder months, as panels often work more efficiently in cooler temperatures.”
“It’s myths like these that deter homeowners,” he commented. “However, the government’s plan to triple solar power generation by 2030 gives us a real opportunity to bust these misconceptions and make solar energy more accessible.”
One in four Britons (25%) think that the energy savings don’t makeup for the cost of getting and fitting solar panels. But according to Utilita industry averages show the time to get your money back is just seven to nine years.
They also highlighted that today’s solar panels typically last for 25 to 30 years and require minimal maintenance, addressing concerns from 45% of people who worry about maintenance and believe panels may need replacement in just 18 years.
And interestingly, the poll found looks matter too, with four out of 10 people thinking solar panels make homes look worse.
In fact, 20% went as far as to say they would think twice about buying a property that had them fitted.
Yet, reassuringly, more than a third (36%) claimed they might be keener on getting solar panels if they knew someone who’d got it done already.
Despite all these worries, Bill Bullen insists: “The truth is that solar panels offer numerous benefits not just for individual households but also for society as a whole.
“Rooftop solar is central to Clean Power 2030, which aims to deliver low-cost, local decarbonisation, reduce household energy expenses, and ease the burden on the National Grid.
“With electricity costs for UK households set to rise again, solar PV generation has never been more cost-effective. Thanks to significant improvements in panel efficiency and a drop in costs over the last decade, the return on investment is better than ever.”
