What Do People Really Think About Solar Power? My Take on Shifting Attitudes as a Local Solar Power Installer

1. Public Opinion: A Clear Shift Toward Clean Energy

Awareness and Interest

One standout finding is that nearly 70 % of households in southern England now express interest in installing solar panels.  

I’m also seeing these same trends in the north in south Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire. It signals a cultural pivot, not just a niche of eco-conscious early adopters. Clean energy is fast becoming part of everyday household planning.

Motivations: Money or the Planet?

The typical reasons people cite for going solar fall into two main categories:

• Economic benefits: Savings on energy bills and increased home value.

• Environmental concerns: Reducing carbon footprints.

I think most people have green compass that pulls them towards the right thing to do for the planet. However, the bigger thought process is... “What’s in it for me?”

And for those who already have panels? If you do your own research you’ll see around 47 % say their energy costs plummeted, while 37 % reported a moderate decrease.

2. The Financial Upside: Savings, Value & Payback

Yearly Savings

Homeowners are seeing roughly £400–£500 in annual savings on energy bills. One Halifax-backed study reported that 84 % noticed a reduction in their bills after going solar.  

Home Value Boost

Installing solar panels often increases property value., it also makes you home more desirable to sell.

Payback Period

Every house is different, so it’s not fair to focus on one number. The best thing to do is contact us and we’ll do a Solar Quote for you with realistic savings factoring in all factors

3. Beyond the Roof: Benefits & Real-World Applications

Doesn’t Need Bright Sun

A common myth: solar panels only work in heatwaves.  

The reality? They produce electricity even in cloudy, overcast conditions. In moderate climates like the UK’s, every bit of diffused light helps, even rain can act as a natural cleaner.

Selling Power via SEG

Under the Smart Export Guarantee, homeowners can sell electricity back to the grid.  

While SEG payments are around 12 p/kWh, less than import costs—it still adds to savings. Importantly, every unit used at home avoids retail import costs, multiplying the economic benefit.

Smart Upgrades: Batteries, EV Chargers & Heat Pumps

Pairing solar with battery storage allows you to save daytime solar energy for evening use, worth around 14p/kWh saved. Add electric vehicle (EV) chargers, and you're charging your commute from free energy.  

And heat pumps? They’re the low-carbon partner in crime, using solar electricity to heat your home and water cleanly.

4. What About Cost, Grants & Maintenance?

Installation Cost Breakdown

• Panels (3.5 kWp): Start from around £3,500

• Battery (7.5 kWh): £3,000  
  These vary based on roof access, orientation, and scale of the system.

(Contact us and we can give you actual cost)

Incentives & Grants

While there are no standalone solar grants, homeowners can access broader schemes like the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), local authority grants, or council programs. Plus, VAT on solar installations is now 0% until April 2027  

Low Maintenance

Once installed, solar panels need minimal upkeep. UK rain is typically enough to keep them clean, though occasional rinse or tree trimming might help. Inverters may need replacement around year 12, but come with warranties and smart monitoring.

5. Common Myths Busted

1. “They don’t work when it’s cloudy.” False. Modern PV generates power even on overcast days .

2. “Expensive and not worth it.” Wrong.

1. Installation costs have dropped substantially.

2. Payback periods are now reasonable (6–11 years).

3. Long-term value, financial and environmental is strong

3. “Ugly to look at.” Designs have evolved, sleeker panels exist, and building-integrated PV—like roof tiles—can blend invisibly.

6. Why You Should Seriously Consider Going Solar

• Sustained savings: £400–£500 per year adds up.

• Environmental impact: A typical household saves about 1 tonne of CO₂ annually  

• Resilience: Sunlight is a free and abundant resource, even in less sunny climates.

• Property value: A greener home is more desirable and potentially more valuable.

Conclusion

My gut feel was backed up with the Energy Saving Trust’s research. It shows a clear trend: solar power is becoming mainstream, fuelled by economic advantage, environmental responsibility, and the fact that modern systems outperform outdated negative stereotypes.

If you’ve got a suitable roof, decent sunshine (even in winter), and want to drive down bills while lowering your carbon footprint, solar could be a smart, savvy investment.

Now I'd love to hear from you: Are you thinking about solar for your home? What’s holding you back, finance, aesthetics, or just gathering more info?

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Let’s dive deeper into whichever area you’d like.

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