Are Brits Turning Their Backs on...
High upfront costs: Deter many Brits from installing solar panels despite falling prices & financing options.
Myths debunked: Solar panels work in cloudy weather, need minimal maintenance & can last 25–30 years.
Financial & Environmental benefits: Solar panels cut electricity bills by up to 70% & lower carbon footprints.
Government support & improved designs: UK plans to triple solar by 2030, with more aesthetic panel options.
A recent survey has revealed some surprising attitudes towards solar panels, with 22% of Brits admitting they’d never even consider installing them. But why? Let’s break down the most common concerns and separate fact from fiction.
UK Attitudes and Myths About Solar Panel Installation
The Big Worries Holding People Back
1. Too Expensive Upfront
A huge 69% of those surveyed believe solar panels are just too pricey to be worth it. And sure, the initial cost isn’t pocket change. But what many don’t realise is that solar panel prices have dropped dramatically over the last decade, and there are solar panel financing options available to spread the cost.
2. Will They Ever Pay for Themselves?
Nearly half (47%) of people think it takes too long to see a return on their investment (ROI). In reality, the average payback period for solar panels in the UK is between 7 and 9 years—and with energy prices soaring every 3-months with Ofgem keeping raising the Energy Price Cap, those savings start adding up quickly.
3. Damage to the Roof?
A third of Brits worry about solar panels causing damage to their roofs. The truth? Installed correctly, they actually protect your roof from weather damage. Plus, most installers, like NXTGEN Energy, provide warranties, just in case.
4. Too Much Maintenance?
A whopping 45% think solar panels require loads of upkeep and won’t last beyond 18 years. In fact, modern solar panels are built to last 25 to 30 years and require very little maintenance—just an occasional clean, which could be done by your window-cleaner and an occasional check-up.
5. Not Eco-Conscious Enough to Care
It turns out that 16% of people simply aren’t that fussed about living a greener lifestyle. While that’s a personal choice, there’s no denying that solar energy helps lower carbon footprints and reduces reliance on expensive fossil fuels like oil and gas.
Busting the Myths Around Solar Power
Bill Bullen, CEO of Utilita Energy, believes that outdated beliefs are stopping millions of households from benefiting from solar energy. One of the biggest misconceptions? That solar panels only work in sunny weather.
“Many people believe solar panels need constant sunshine to be effective. But that’s just not true,” says Bill. “Some of the most productive days for solar energy happen in cooler months because panels actually work better in lower temperatures.“
Why Solar Makes Sense
With the UK government aiming to triple solar power generation by 2030, there’s never been a better time to get on board. Solar panels aren’t just about saving money—they also help stabilise the National Grid, reduce reliance on imported energy like oil and gas, and contribute to a cleaner, greener future for you and the UK.
What About Aesthetics?
Looks matter too, and 40% of people admitted they don’t like how solar panels change the appearance of their home. In fact, one in five would even hesitate to buy a house that already had them! But as solar technology advances, sleeker and more discreet solar panel designs are becoming available.
The Power of Word-of-Mouth
Interestingly, knowing someone who has solar panels can be a game-changer. 36% of survey respondents said they’d be more likely to install solar panels if a friend or family member already had them.
The Bottom Line
The numbers don’t lie—solar panels can slash electricity bills by up to 70%, and with energy costs predicted to rise, they’re becoming an even smarter investment.
As Bill Bullen, CEO of Utilita Energy puts it:
“With panel efficiency improving and costs dropping, the return on investment is better than ever. Now is the time to bust the myths and make solar power more accessible for everyone.”
