Rising number of UK homes installing heat pumps and solar panels but still 'unaffordable' for most
Around 18,000 heat pumps and 120,000 solar panels have been installed so far in 2023 but subsidies aren’t enough to encourage more households.
More houses in the United Kingdom are being fitted with solar panels and heat pumps amid a push by the UK government to hit its 2050 net-zero targets.
More than 120,000 solar panels have been installed since the start of the year, and over 3,000 heat pumps have been installed each month on average, according to Microgeneration Certification Scheme Service Company (MCS), the body that accredits low-carbon products, households and businesses.
Norman Pitt, a resident of Crowborough in the south of England, had solar panels, a heat pump and batteries fitted to his house.
Related
Energy crisis in Europe: Which countries have the cheapest and most expensive electricity and gas?
It cost him nearly €35,000 but he sees it as an investment.
"Our electricity consumption costs have dropped like a stone. We're going green, saving our planet. We've also got an electric car. And this installation probably costs us a little more than it used to cost me to fill my car. So, we're fairly pleased," Pitt said.
The UK government is giving out subsidies of up to €7,000 per household in England and up to €10,400 in Scotland.
It aims to reach 70 GW of solar capacity by 2035 and 600,000 heat pump installations by 2028.
Cost of living crisis, inflationHowever, a parliament committee found the uptake of grants was lower than expected.
Experts say the upfront cost of solar panels and heat pumps is unaffordable for most, especially as inflation soars despite the government funding.
"I think if we take a closer look at those figures, it's going to be people who are that bit wealthier," said Aimee Ambrose, professor of energy policy at Sheffield Hallam University.
"They are not the households that are struggling the most with the cost of living crisis. They are not the households that struggled the most to heat their homes to a safe and comfortable level".
Related
This Australian couple powers their home with solar energy stored on recycled laptop batteries
She also stresses that low-income households are more likely to rent, and, therefore can't benefit from the scheme directly.
MCS is calling for more money in grants and vouchers each year.
It also highlights the need to build up the installation workforce, arguing that reaching the government's target would require 50,000 workers.
For more on this story, watch the video in the media player above.
Video editor • Roselyne Min
Customized/OEM/ODM Service
HomSolar Supports Lifepo4 battery pack customization/OEM/ODM service, welcome to contact us and tell us your needs.
HomSolar: Your One-stop LiFePO4 Battery Pack & ESS Solution Manufacturer
Our line of LiFePO4 (LFP) batteries offer a solution to demanding applications that require a lighter weight, longer life, and higher capacity battery. Features include advanced battery management systems (BMS), Bluetooth® communication and active intelligent monitoring.
Customised Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Casing
ABS plastic housing, aluminium housing, stainless steel housing and iron housing are available, and can also be designed and customised according to your needs.
HomSolar Smart BMS
Intelligent Battery Management System for HomSolar Energy Storage System. Bluetooth, temperature sensor, LCD display, CAN interface, UART interface also available.
Terminals & Plugs Can Be Customized
A wide range of terminals and plugs can be customised to suit the application needs of your battery products.
Well-designed Solutions for Energy Storage Systems
We will design the perfect energy storage system solution according to your needs, so that you can easily solve the specific industry applications of battery products.
About Our Battery Cells
Our energy storage system products use brand new grade A LiFePO4 cells with a battery lifespan of more than 4,000 charge/discharge cycles.
Applications in Different Industries
We supply customized & OEM battery pack, assemble cells with wiring, fuse and plastic cover, all the cell wires connected to PCB plug or built BMS.
Applications: E-bike, Electric Scooter, Golf Carts, RV, Electric Wheelchair, Electric Tools, Robot Cleaner, Robot Sweeper, Solar Energy Storage System, Emergency Light, Solar Power Light, Medical Equipment, UPS Backup Power Supply.
We can provide you with customized services. We have the ability to provide a vertical supply chain, from single cells to pack/module and to a complete power solution with BMS, etc.
HomSolar (Shenzhen) Technology Co., Ltd
