More than half of UK adults are considering installing solar panels as concerns over rising energy costs and geopolitical instability continue to grow, according to new research from Good Energy.
The survey found that 91% of UK adults believe geopolitical instability is likely to push electricity prices higher for a prolonged period, while 51% said recent global events have increased their interest in installing solar panels within the next two years.
Despite only 15% of households currently having solar panels, demand is accelerating rapidly. Good Energy reported a 91% increase in solar installation sales during the first quarter of 2026, with March becoming the strongest month for installations in the company’s history.
The momentum has continued into the second quarter, while online searches for solar panels have risen by 104% since January.
FINANCIAL DECISION
The findings suggest homeowners are increasingly viewing solar as a financial decision rather than purely an environmental one. More than a third (38%) believe solar could reduce their energy bills within the next one to two years, compared to just 24% who think switching energy supplier would deliver similar savings.
Battery storage is also becoming more popular. Good Energy said batteries were included in 78% of all solar and storage sales in May, up from 62% in January, as households look to store cheaper energy and reduce reliance on the grid.
The research also highlighted the growing influence of neighbours in driving adoption, with 39% of respondents saying they would be more likely to install solar panels if others on their street had already done so.
However, challenges remain, with 30% of adults admitting they still lack confidence in understanding how solar technology works.
ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
Carl Hogg (main picture, inset), Managing Director of Good Energy, says: “In the current climate, one thing that households are looking for is certainty around their electricity bills.
“Solar is one of the few ways people can take a bit more control, generate their own power and reduce their exposure to those global shocks.
“We have seen this reflected in demand, with a 91% increase in sales from February to March this year.
“We are also seeing how much influence neighbours have. Once a few homes on a street install solar, others start to look into it seriously. It makes it feel more normal and more achievable.
“There is still a gap when it comes to understanding how it all works, and that is something the industry needs to keep improving. But the shift is clear. For many households now, they are conscious about securing energy independence.”
