Bright ideas: Solar interest surges 27% as homeowners seek energy independence amid global volatility

• Solar enquiries jump 27% as UK households seek to shield themselves from war-driven energy price shock
• Over 1.8 million UK homes now solar-powered, with certified low-carbon tech installations up 34% in the past year
• A report by DESNZ found homeowners could save around £500 a year on energy bills by installing rooftop solar panels

London, 17th March 2026 – British homeowners are racing to future-proof their properties against global energy shocks, with new data from Octopus Energy showing a 27% surge in solar installation enquiries since the start of the conflict in the Middle East*.

Recent geopolitical turmoil has caused a dash for solar as households seek to shield their bills from the volatile global gas market. Since late February, gas prices have soared by more than 60%.

According to the latest industry data from MCS**, the UK is currently experiencing its strongest year on record for solar. More than 260,000 homes installed solar in 2025, bringing the total to 1.85 million households generating their own clean energy.

Recent data from MCS also shows that battery installations in the UK nearly doubled year-on-year, allowing households to capture and use their own power during peak evening hours.

Aside from security of energy and less reliance on the national grid, home solar generation provides a massive reduction in bills for households. A report from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), found that an average homeowner could save around £500 a year on energy bills by installing rooftop solar panels***.

Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Chief Product Officer at Octopus Energy, commented: “We are seeing a fundamental shift in the national psyche when it comes to energy. With the second energy market shock in less than five years, homeowners are looking for security. This surge in solar interest suggests people now see their rooftops as a frontline of their financial resilience. By generating their own power, they can help to insulate their bank accounts against global energy crises.”

Keith and Elizabeth Stork from Norwich first installed solar panels to live more sustainably and help keep their home warm. With the help of a battery and smart tariff, they now save more than £60 a month on their energy bills. When asked how they used them, Keith said: “I’ve got batteries installed too, so I charge them during the cheaper electricity rates and use the stored power during the more expensive times in the day.”

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

* Based on Octopus Energy data of the number of enquiries for solar panels the week between 28th February - 7th March 2026 compared to average weekly enquiries

** MCS, The 2026 Low Carbon Landscape

*** Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Solar Road Map, June 2025

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About Octopus Energy Group

Octopus Energy is a global clean energy and technology business, driving the affordable, green energy system of the future. Under its own retail brand, Octopus delivers world-class customer service and cutting-edge energy products to 11 million households globally.

The company is driving the electrification of heat and transport through smart tariffs and innovative clean tech, with operations spanning 27 countries and the entire energy value chain. It operates a £7 billion renewables portfolio as well as thriving EV leasing, heat pump, and solar businesses. Backed by pension funds, investors and energy giants, Octopus Energy Group businesses deliver cheaper, greener energy and cutting-edge tech to countries and customers worldwide. 

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