Warm Homes Plan: Why Government backing for solar reflects consumer demand

The Government’s long-anticipated Warm Homes Plan signals a clear direction of travel for the UK’s energy transition – one that places consumer demand, energy security and bill reduction at its core. Among an array of possible policy options, the decision to back a major expansion of rooftop solar stands out as a pragmatic response to the pressures facing households today.

 

Commenting on the announcement, Sorrelle Harper, Corporate Affairs Director at Calisen, highlighted the urgency of the challenge.

 

“Reducing bills, particularly for the vulnerable, and stepping off the rollercoaster of volatile gas prices are the two most urgent energy issues in front of the Government at the moment,” she said. “There was an array of options the Government could have taken, but the choice to back a tripling of rooftop solar, extending to three million homes, aligns with consumer demand.”

 

Solar’s rapid rise in the UK

 

The Government’s focus on solar is underpinned by strong market momentum. 2025 was a record-breaking year for UK solar, with installations up 37% on 2024, surpassing even the most optimistic forecasts. This growth reflects a fundamental shift in consumer behaviour.

 

Households are increasingly choosing to reduce their reliance on external energy supply, driven by falling solar panel costs, improved technology and access to more affordable support schemes. In an era of economic uncertainty and rising energy bills, solar offers a tangible way for consumers to regain control.

 

“In urgent times, it is vital that the Government goes with the flow of consumer sentiment,” Sorrelle added.

 

Heat pumps: early-stage but socially important

 

The Warm Homes Plan also drives forward the importance of heat pumps, though thetechnology is at a much earlier stage of adoption in the UK than solar. Currently only around 1% of UK homes use heat pumps, compared to 60% in Norway. Uptake in the UK has largely been driven by necessity rather than choice, particularly in rural areas without access to mains gas.

 

Despite slower adoption, the case for supporting heat pump growth remains strong. Around 80% of UK homes still rely on gas heating, leaving households – especially vulnerable customers – exposed to volatile global gas prices. From both a social and healthcare perspective, reducing this dependence is critical.

 

The role of smart meters in a low-carbon future

 

Whether households are ready to adopt solar panels or heat pumps today or not, smart meters play a foundational role in the transition to a smarter, low-carbon energy system.

 

“The smart system unlocks low carbon technologies,” said Sorrelle. “Even for those not yet adopting solar or heat pumps, a smart meter is the most basic step in reducing bills – giving consumers control over their usage and access to flexible tariffs that reflect cheaper wholesale prices.”

 

As the Warm Homes Plan takes shape, the message is clear: empowering consumers through smart technology, renewable energy and data-driven insight will be central to delivering warmer homes, lower bills and a more resilient UK energy system.