Matthew Broxton

If you’ve been thinking about installing solar panels but the upfront cost has stopped you, you’re not alone. One of the biggest changes in the UK government’s Warm Homes Plan is the introduction of government-backed low‑interest and zero‑interest loans designed to help homeowners pay for upgrades like solar panels and home batteries. Published in January 2026, the Plan makes it clear that solar is no longer seen as a niche or luxury upgrade. Instead, it is positioned as a practical way for...

Rising electricity prices in the UK have increased interest in residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems as a means of reducing household energy bills. While solar panels are often promoted for their environmental benefits, the extent to which they reduce energy costs depends largely on how the electricity they generate is used. This article summarises peer-reviewed UK research examining how solar panels affect household electricity demand, grid reliance, and the mechanisms through which...