In recent years, the UK has made major strides in the adoption of renewable energy. From solar panels and heat pumps to EV chargers and battery storage, more homes than ever are now equipped with low-carbon technology. But despite this momentum, a growing number of households are finding it harder to stick with green energy due to rising living costs.
The result? A shift in priorities. With budgets stretched, many people are choosing cheaper energy tariffs, even if it means stepping away from sustainable energy options.
Fewer Green Energy Tariffs Available
A recent report by The Guardian revealed that green energy tariffs have plummeted. In 2022, they made up around 85% of all energy tariffs available to UK households. Now, that figure has dropped to just 18%. That’s a staggering fall in just three years.
The drop isn’t just about supply. Suppliers are reacting to reduced demand. With higher bills across the board, people are less willing to pay a premium for green tariffs. Many are choosing the cheapest deal available, even if it means switching to a provider that doesn’t prioritise renewable sources.
Affordability vs Sustainability
When the cost of electricity, gas, and food all rise at once, even environmentally conscious households are forced to make tough choices.
While surveys show that public support for green energy remains high in principle, it’s clear that when budgets are tight, affordability wins out. And it’s not just individuals. Businesses are having to make similar choices, delaying sustainability upgrades and solar investments in favour of short-term cost savings.
It highlights a crucial point: green energy adoption relies on financial accessibility. Without it, even the most well-intentioned plans get pushed to the side.
What About Solar Panels and EV Chargers?
It’s not all doom and gloom. While green tariffs may be down, demand for domestic solar panels, EV chargers, and battery storage remains steady, especially among homeowners who are playing the long game.
With energy prices staying high, more people are choosing to take control of their energy bills. Installing solar panels or a battery storage system doesn’t just help the planet, it helps reduce reliance on suppliers and offers real savings over time.
In fact, one of the most reliable ways to future-proof your home is to become your own mini power station. With the right setup, households can:
- Generate their own electricity
- Use solar energy to charge EVs
- Store unused power for later
- Sell excess energy back to the grid
Even with initial installation costs, many systems can pay for themselves within a few years.
Is Green Energy Becoming Elitist?
One of the concerns raised in The Guardian article is that green tariffs may become a luxury, only available to those who can afford them. As traditional energy tariffs outcompete green options on price, there’s a risk that sustainability gets associated with wealth, not widespread change.
This creates a challenge for policymakers. If the government is serious about achieving net-zero, they’ll need to ensure greener options aren’t just available, but affordable.
That might mean revisiting incentives and grant schemes to support solar panel installation, battery storage, and EV charger rollout, especially for lower-income households.
What Can You Do?
Even if you’re not ready to invest in a full solar or EV setup yet, there are still steps you can take to reduce your reliance on expensive, carbon-heavy energy.
- Monitor your energy use: Smart meters and usage trackers can help reduce waste.
- Look out for grants or funding: Keep an eye on local and national schemes.
- Start small: Consider solar for your garage or a single EV charger instead of a full system.
- Plan for the future: Get expert advice on the best setup for your home, even if you’re not installing straight away.
Final Thoughts
The transition to renewable energy was never going to be easy, but the cost of living crisis has made it even harder for households to stay green.
While fewer tariffs and tighter budgets are a challenge, renewable energy still offers one of the most effective ways to reduce long-term bills and protect the planet. And with the right support, both from government and local experts, the green transition can still be achievable for everyone.
At Solar First, we’re here to help you take that next step, whether it’s installing solar panels, adding battery storage, or future-proofing your home with an EV charger. If you’d like more information, give us a call on 01572 373342 or email us and one of our team will be happy to help you.
