The number of solar panel systems installed on UK properties jumped by 10 per cent – 110,000 – ahead of a rise in energy prices last month, new analysis by Savills has revealed.
The year to the end of September saw the biggest increase in small solar panel systems for five years as UK homeowners took action in the face of the prospect of rising prices. energy of 70 percent.
Britain’s privately owned housing stock is largely made up of drafty period properties, with 85 per cent of pre-war homes in England having an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of D or more low according to Savills’ head of research Lucian Cook.
“Renovating our aging housing stock is key to ensuring the sector makes a positive contribution to the UK’s net zero by 2025 target,” Mr Cook said.
“Insulation dominates the measures taken under the initiatives under the Green Homes Grant, in line with the “Fabric First” approach promoted by the Government. However, owners of older houses are also increasingly looking- well to their source of energy.”
Savills research into its client base shows that homeowners remain more likely to install a more efficient boiler than to install fossil fuel-free alternatives. But, when it comes to fossil-free options, solar comes out on top.
In March this year, in his post as Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak announced that VAT on the installation of energy-saving materials in homes will be cut from five percent to zero until April 1, 2027. .
Sunak said in the Spring Statement: “A family with a solar panel installed could see tax savings worth over £1,000 and savings on their energy bill of over £300 per year. “
Solar panels have a high initial cost of between £4,000 and £8,000 but incentives to install the panels include reduced electricity bills and a lower carbon footprint – with any extra electricity generated is then sold back to energy suppliers.
Other energy-saving materials that are exempt from five percent VAT for homeowners include heat pumps and home insulation.