New research shows that while only around 15% of households currently have solar installed, 51% say recent global instability has increased their interest in adopting the technology within the next one to two years. The findings, from Good Energy, suggest a growing shift towards solar as a practical planning consideration rather than a purely environmental upgrade.

Energy security and bill reduction remain the dominant drivers. Nearly nine in ten respondents (91%) believe geopolitical instability will keep upward pressure on electricity prices, reinforcing the appeal of generating power on-site and reducing reliance on the grid. Around 38% of those surveyed believe solar could deliver meaningful bill reductions within one to two years, compared with 24% who see switching energy supplier as an effective alternative.

The trend is already being reflected in market activity. Installers have reported sharp increases in domestic solar demand, with some providers recording a 91% rise in sales earlier this year and sustained momentum into the second quarter. Online search activity for solar solutions has also more than doubled since the start of the year, indicating rising intent among households actively exploring installation.

For self builders and those planning major renovations, the data highlights a continued shift in how renewable energy is being factored into early-stage design decisions. Solar is increasingly being considered alongside core specifications such as insulation, heating systems and fabric performance, rather than treated as a retrofit add-on.

Battery storage is also becoming more commonly paired with solar installations, as households look to maximise self-consumption and reduce exposure to peak-time electricity costs. This is further strengthening the case for integrating energy systems at the design stage of new builds and major refurbishments.

While interest continues to rise, cost and technical understanding remain key barriers for some households, particularly around upfront installation costs and system performance.

However, the broader direction of travel is clear: solar is moving from a niche upgrade to a mainstream consideration in residential energy planning, with implications for how self build projects are designed, specified and future-proofed.