New research from Switch Together highlights a growing gap between interest in solar energy and actual adoption, with affordability concerns and a lack of trusted guidance preventing many UK households from taking the next step.
The findings come as energy bills continue to rise, with the UK energy price cap increasing by 13% this month and further rises expected later this year.
A survey of more than 2,300 energy consumers across England and Wales found that 56% of households without solar would consider installing it. However, upfront costs remain the biggest barrier, cited by 52% of respondents, while 38% are unconvinced the long-term savings are clear enough to justify the investment.
Trust is also a factor. A quarter of people who already have solar say they almost abandoned installation because they were unsure who to rely on. More than half (56%) would like greater financial subsidies, while 54% want more investment in community renewable energy projects.
Households without renewable energy are feeling the impact of rising bills most acutely. Nearly two thirds (65%) say higher energy costs are affecting their day-to-day lives, compared with 43% of all energy consumers. Across the market, one in ten households have cut back on other spending because of energy bills, while 8% have delayed home improvements that could reduce costs in the long term.
George Frost, UK head at Switch Together, says:
“Research has shown that around half the country would install solar panels at home, but too many feel locked out of making the switch. The demand is there, but many are put off by upfront costs or unsure who to trust.
“With energy bills rising, more households are looking to solar to take back some control. The challenge isn’t interest – it’s affordability, confidence that the investment will pay off, and access to trusted advice.
“Financial support and collective buying schemes are already helping bring down costs and make solar more accessible. Expanding these options will help turn demand into real installations.”
