Interest in solar energy is certainly at its peak – as is its popularity, according to recent figures from a YouGov survey.
The study, commissioned by The Sunday Times, illustrates that once again, solar power is topping the list of renewable energies with a staggering 74 per cent of the British public indicating that they want to see the government utilise more solar power.
Recent announcements from several of the Big Six energy providers regarding tariff increases has left the public’s trust in energy companies at an all time low – with 58 per cent of those surveyed blaming rising energy bills entirely on profiteering energy companies.
British support for fossil fuel-generated energy was particularly low, with only 14.6 per cent of people expressing support for more gas, oil and coal-powered stations in the UK.
Commenting on the results of the study, Maf Smith, deputy chief executive of trade association RenewableUK, said: This is an unequivocal vote of confidence in renewable energy. A clear majority of British people support building more wind farms to meet our country's clean energy needs. That support is consistently strong, in this and other independent polls.
"One stark message from this survey is the public's evident disenchantment with fossil fuels, including the unpopularity of fracking for shale gas. The British public is telling us that we are right to be making this landmark transition from a perilous fossil fuel addiction to a low-carbon future."
After solar power, wind-generated energy was the most popular, with 56 per cent of respondents commenting that they want to see more wind technology in the UK.
The report also broke support for renewables into age brackets. 40-59-year-olds were the biggest supporters of solar power, with the 16-24-year-old age bracket surprisingly lagging behind with 60 per cent.
With the cost of electricity and gas bills still rising and the introduction of the Green Deal Cash Back scheme, combined with the public’s support of renewables, there is sure to be a boost in the amount of solar panels installed on both domestic and commercial properties.