Promising data coming out on the UK domestic installations of cleaner energy technologies so far in 2024 - whether it be Solar PV panels, Heat Pumps, or Home Battery Storage.

Already this year, installations of batteries have been higher, than the entire installations of any previous entire year, with similar rates of installation growth for connected PV and heat pumps. 

Is the UK slowly waking up to the benefits of clean energy in the home?

Earlier this year I covered how eventually our homes will become self-sufficient VPPs - read here so it's pleasing to see gradual increases year on year.

So what has been driving this? Well there are many promising developments contributing, such as financial schemes like Nationwide's interest-free green mortgage extension, and numerous banks' offers for zero-interest loans for home improvements will go a long way to boosting the numbers. The scrapping of VAT on batteries in the UK, will have no doubt had a big impact on consumer appetite. Additionally, manufacturers like GivEnergy / Polar ESS and myenergi are offering attractive finance offers, meaning the upfront costs that have previously been a turn-off for many, aren't as much of a factor. 

Let's face it, as much as people are environmentally conscious on the whole, cost will still be the primary driver for most people and particularly within the areas of society on low incomes.

However, I do still think there's work to be done to keep on boosting numbers. 

Firstly, when it comes to consumer awareness and therefore confidence, more is needed.

I work directly in the Energy Storage domain, so naturally I understand the long-term climate and economic benefits of these systems (in fact I'm now looking at my own home improvements right now!) But this isn't the case for the majority of the public, who don't work in the sector. There is still too little out there in terms of education. Although there's some fantastic YouTube channels spreading the word such as GaryDoesSolar, Everything Electric and Martin Johnson (along with the manufacturers' own materials - GivEnergy's are very good!), we need more media coverage to reach the mainstream, particularly targeting the long-term cost benefits (as we said before).

Additionally, the new UK Government's clear commitment to clean technologies will hopefully mean more reforms and support mechanisms to help homeowners and landlords to retrofit their properties effectively, along with the new houses pledge - hopefully all of these will be clean-energy equipped. (Let's be honest, the scepticism on clean technologies from the previous Government this last couple of years has done the sector no favours!)

Finally, I'd love to see strong initiatives implemented for all demographics of society. Clean energy should not be seen as a luxury of the wealthy, and we need to continue the great work being done on social housing retrofitting and new accommodation installations. There should also be more subsidies granted for those on lower incomes to help promote the adoption, as we can't afford to leave anyone behind.

Ultimately, it's very encouraging data. Yes, we've still got a long way to go to compete with the likes of Germany when it comes to home rooftop / balcony solar and ESS installations, but under this new Labour Government, with continued education to raise awareness,  and more economic support for those who need it, I'm confident that home batteries will indeed become a feature in many households within the next 5-10 years!

I am proud to lead the Energy Storage practice at Hyperion Executive Search, helping manufacturers and developers recruit top talent to help continually increase energy storage capacity in the UK and internationally (17 countries. If you're looking for support in growing your teams to achieve this mission, then contact me at david.beeston@hyperionsearch.com