Happy New Year from the team at Carter Electrical Installation LTD!
As we pack away the tinsel and look toward a bright 2026, there’s some seriously sunny news on the horizon (even if we are in the middle of a cold snap!). If you’ve been following the headlines, you might have seen a buzz about a “rooftop revolution.” The government has confirmed big plans to help millions of UK homes slash their energy bills – and in some cases, potentially wipe them out entirely – using the power of the sun. The scheme is targeting around 300,000 homes for potential upgrades throughout 2025 and 2026 with a budget, at the time of writing, of £3.2bn.
Here’s the lowdown on what’s happening and what it means for your home this year.
What does this mean for you as the consumer?
In short: more money in your pocket! The government’s plan focuses on making solar panels a standard feature rather than a luxury. For those moving into new-build homes, solar panels are set to become the “default,” meaning your new nest could be generating its own clean, green energy from the moment you get the keys.
But it’s not just for new builds. Through the Warm Homes Plan, there’s a massive push (and some handy funding) to help existing homeowners retro-fit solar panels and battery storage. By generating your own power, you’re less reliant on the National Grid and those pesky price hikes. Imagine boiling the kettle or running the Christmas lights next year knowing the summer sun helped pay for it!
Building on the already-existing Boiler Upgrade Scheme, whereby customers can get a £7500 grant to replace an old boiler with a brand-new heat pump, other restrictions have lifted, eliminating the need for homeowners to obtain planning approval before installing a heat pump, as well as the old ‘one-metre rule’, which previously stipulated that heat pumps had to be sited at least one metre away from a property boundary to help mitigate noise concerns about heat pumps when in operation.
What is the catch?
It sounds like a dream, right? Well, like all good things, there are a few “it depends.” The biggest hurdle for most is the upfront cost. While the government is working on grants and low-interest loans, a full solar setup is still a significant investment. However, watch this space, as news on solar grants are expected to be announced later this month, with poorer households getting greater help with upfront costs.
There’s also the “shady” side of things – literally! Not every roof is a perfect candidate: if your home is tucked under a giant oak tree or has a north-facing roof, you might not see those “zero-bill” results. Furthermore, to truly hit those £0 bills, you usually need a battery storage system to keep the power you’ve made during the day ready for when the sun goes down.
Why 2026 is the year of the “Smart Home”
It’s not just about the panels on the roof; it’s about how you use the power. We’re seeing a huge shift toward smart tech that talks to your solar system. From EV chargers that only kick in when your panels are peaking, to smart water heaters that soak up excess energy, the goal is to keep every watt of homegrown electricity inside your four walls. At Carter Electrical, we’re already seeing more of you asking about how to integrate batteries and smart tech into your systems. It’s a great way to future-proof your home and gain some serious energy independence.
Let’s get your home “Summer Ready” in January!
We know it’s cold and grey outside right now, but January is actually the perfect time to start planning. Beat the springtime rush and get your home assessed for solar, in readiness for the warmer days to come. Whether you’re looking to add a battery to an existing system or you’re starting your green journey from scratch, we’re here to help you navigate the jargon and find the best fit, and quote, for your roof.
Ready to see if your home could go bill-free? Give the Carter Electrical team a shout today and let’s make 2026 your brightest year yet!