Scots can access pay-as-you-go solar panels for just £61 a month in what has been called a “game-changer” for the green energy market. This new subscription model allows people to get solar panels without the need to pay the upfront cost of up to £7,000. Experts believe this initiative will lead to a surge in solar power adoption across Scotland as more homeowners opt for rooftop panels, saving money in the long run by selling excess energy back to the grid.
The popularity of solar power in Scotland is on the rise, with over 16,500 households having solar panels installed last year, a significant increase from just 50 installations in 2013. Despite misconceptions about Scotland’s weather being unsuitable for solar energy, advocates argue that sunlight could power the entire country if harnessed efficiently. They suggest that even small areas like the Isle of Hoy could generate enough solar energy to meet Scotland’s needs.
In 2023, the global solar industry experienced substantial growth, with record capacity installed in countries like the UK, the EU, and the US. China alone installed more panels than the rest of the world combined. Otovo, a solar price comparison site, is introducing the subscription model in the UK. On average, consumers can expect to pay £61 per month for a subscription with ten panels and a battery. Estimates suggest that households could start saving £19 per month on their bills, with savings surpassing monthly payments by the second year.
The Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK, Chris Hewett, expressed support for the new subscription model, stating that it will make solar energy more accessible to homeowners and spread its benefits to more households. Otovo’s UK general manager, Jina Kwon, highlighted that the subscription approach eliminates the barrier of a large upfront cost and offers a warranty for the entire subscription term, ensuring quality and reliability for customers. The subscription model has already gained popularity in Europe, with over 6,000 customers.
The aim is to increase the uptake of solar energy in the UK by providing a financing model that allows customers to own the system ultimately. This approach is expected to lower the entry barrier for households looking to transition to solar energy and enable them to start saving from the outset. With just six percent of UK households currently having solar panels, there is significant room for growth compared to countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Austria, where solar adoption rates are higher.