After years of record energy price rises, it’s understandable that many homeowners are looking for new ways to save. For some, like Steve Abbott, a retired engineer and school teacher, renewable energy has been the answer – albeit an initially expensive one.
In a process that’s been several years and £25,000 in the making, Mr Abbott’s house in Dunoon, Scotland, is now equipped with solar panels, a home battery and a smart meter.
“I have future-proofed our energy costs. A lot of people don’t factor in the long term view, that cost is going to increase. Every time it goes up, the value of my system goes up,” he says.
He is certainly not alone. As of the end of 2023, there have been more than 1.7 million low-carbon installations in Britain, with one in eight taking place last year alone.
Solar panels are proving the most popular type, with annual purchases jumping 33pc last year to 183,000. Home batteries are also on the rise, with 10,000 now installed in Britain’s homes and providing new ways of saving and even making money.
Despite the potential five-figure upfront cost, the savings can be significant. Experts estimate that combining solar panels with a home battery can cut annual energy bills by as much as 85pc – or around £796 for the average three-bedroom house.
Source: ‘I spent £25,000 on solar power for my home – but I’ll make the money back within 10
