When energy prices wobble, people stop thinking of solar and heat pumps as “nice upgrades” and start seeing them as practical protection.
That shift has been especially clear this month. The BBC reported a sharp rise in demand for renewables following the conflict involving Iran and the resulting increase in oil and gas prices. It described a “huge jolt” in interest, with solar panel sales up by around 50%, heat pump sales also rising, and enquiries increasing for electric vehicles and home chargers too.
And it’s not just happening at national level. We’re seeing it locally as well.
Lee from M&E Contrax Renewable says:
“We’ve seen a clear increase in solar enquiries recently. The conversations have changed, people aren’t just asking ‘is it worth it?’ anymore. They’re asking how quickly they can reduce reliance on the grid and make their energy costs more predictable.”
Why enquiries jump when global energy prices move
Most households don’t follow wholesale energy markets day to day, but they do feel the impact when bills rise and uncertainty increases. When a major event pushes oil and gas prices up, it highlights how exposed we all are to global supply shocks.
That’s why renewables tend to move from “future plan” to “let’s do something”:
People want more control
Solar panels and heat pumps don’t remove the grid entirely, but they can reduce reliance on it. That’s appealing when the cost of energy feels outside your control.
Lee said: “We’re hearing the same message again and again, customers want a plan that reduces exposure to price shocks. Solar and heat pumps are practical tools for that.”
The price cap still changes
Even when prices reduce temporarily, people know they can rise again at the next reset. That uncertainty is often what prompts action.
Renewables now feel normal
More people know someone with solar, a heat pump, or an EV charger. That social proof matters. It takes renewables out of “early adopter” territory and into everyday decision making.
What we’re seeing locally, better questions, not just more enquiries
The other change is the quality of enquiries. People are asking smarter questions earlier, like:
- Is my roof suitable, and what about shading?
- Should I go solar only first, or plan for a battery later?
- How do export payments work with my energy provider?
- If I’m considering a heat pump, is my property suitable and what support is available?
That’s a good sign. It means customers are thinking beyond headlines and focusing on a system that’s designed properly.
Solar, heat pumps and EV charging work best as a joined up plan
Octopus highlighted rising interest across the wider “home electrification” mix, solar, heat pumps, EVs and chargers. That joined up approach is what we recommend too.
You don’t have to do everything at once, but it helps to plan for it:
- Solar PV to generate electricity on site
- Battery storage (optional) to use more of that electricity later
- Heat pumps to reduce reliance on gas and improve long term efficiency
- EV charging to make home or workplace charging simple and cost controlled
Even if you start with one upgrade now, making the system “future ready” can save time and cost later, especially with cable routes, inverter choice and equipment location.
What to do next
If you’re considering renewables because of rising energy costs or uncertainty, the best next step is simple:
- Start with a survey first conversation (roof suitability, shading, usage patterns)
- Decide your priority (bill reduction, future battery, EV charging, long term efficiency)
- Get a design led proposal with clear assumptions
- If funding is a factor, explore finance options alongside the quote
Useful links
Solar panels in Newton Abbot
Commercial Solar PV
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) guide
Renewable Energy Resources Hub
Energy markets will always move. The difference now is that households and businesses have realistic, proven options to reduce exposure to those swings.
Lee said:
“The biggest change we’re seeing is confidence. People understand that solar and heat pumps aren’t experimental anymore. They’re reliable technologies that can stabilise running costs and future proof a property.”
If you’d like advice on solar, heat pumps, battery storage or EV charging, we’re happy to help.
