People in Birmingham are actively looking for alternative energy sources based on recent price hikes and ongoing global instability with 66% stating that they would switch to an alternative energy source such as solar panels if their electricity bill increased in 2022. According to a survey released today by Project Solar UK, 49% of respondents in or around Birmingham think the advantages of solar panels are because they create cheaper electricity, 24% say solar panels add value to a property and 23% say solar panels help with sustainability plans to become carbon neutral.
Interestingly, 27% think the benefits of solar is that they generate electricity even through winter when there is minimum sunshine.
But it is the uncertainty around the price of electricity that is a key concern for residents with Project Solar UK seeing a 60% increase in visits to its website between 15 February and 15 March this year – an 87% increase on hits to the information site on the same period last year. The Energy Saving Trust is predicting that energy prices could continue to rise and be as high as £240 more in a typical family household in 2022 and offers tips and advice on reducing energy usage including draught proofing windows and doors, topping up insulation and switching off appliances left on standby. https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/hub/quick-tips-to-save-energy/
Simon Peat, CEO of Project Solar UK says, “We saw that two thirds of people surveyed in Birmingham would consider switching to solar. A major benefit for people in the city who install solar energy systems in their home is that they can actually sell their electricity back to the grid – a feature only acknowledged by 34% of Birmingham residents surveyed but one that many people will welcome as the cost-of-living increases.”
He continued, “From April there will be a cut in VAT on solar panels from 5% to zero which, according to the Chancellor in the spring statement, could see a family having solar panels installed having tax savings worth over £1,000 and savings on their energy bill of over £300 per year."
The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 1,000 UK adults aged 16+, nationally representative on age, gender and region – including 82 respondents in or around the city of Birmingham. The data was collected between 22.03.22 - 25.03.22. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct which is based on the ESOMAR principles.
