Homeowner Solar Panel Demand Skyrockets Over 50%, Prompting Waiting Lists

Solar companies across Britain report recruitment shortages as demand for home systems surges, Filmogaz.com can reveal. Installers cannot be hired quickly enough to meet recent order volumes. Many households now face longer waits for installation dates.

Rapid rise in customer orders

Business owners link the spike to global instability after US military action in Iran at the end of February. Interest had already increased after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The latest events have pushed many homeowners to seek energy independence.

One South Wales firm recorded a sharp jump in monthly sales. Green Energy Solar took £1.2 million in new orders for panels and battery storage in March. That compares with £460,000 in February.

Supplier and retailer figures

Major suppliers report double-digit jumps in demand. Octopus Energy cites a 50% rise in solar panel and heat pump sales since the Iran conflict began. E.on reports solar sales up 62% this month. Good Energy says sales climbed 54%.

These increases are driving what many describe as homeowner-driven buying. Homeowners and small-business owners make up most customers. They seek lower bills and protection against outages.

Financial pressures and policy moves

Analysts warn that oil supply issues linked to the conflict could push annual bills up by about £332 in July. The government has said households will soon be able to buy plug-in solar panels in shops. Ministers promote these appliances as a way to cut bills and reach net-zero goals.

Good Energy’s chief executive urges stronger public investment. He recommends mandating solar on new homes and expanding storage. Industry leaders say these steps would improve energy security and lower costs long term.

Skills shortage and hiring challenges

The sector faces a major labour gap. Jobs platforms list openings for solar installers and roofers with pay from £25,000 to £50,000. Solar Energy UK estimates the workforce at 7,000 today.

That body expects employment to swell to about 60,000 by 2030. Employers are struggling to attract experienced teams. One company plans to grow staff by 40%, adding two installation teams of three people each.

Wage pressures and recruitment

Electrician pay can reach up to £85,000, depending on experience. Yet recruiters report few suitable CVs. The lack of available technicians is delaying installations across the country.

• Short-term result: longer lead times for customers.
• Long-term need: rapid skills training and recruitment.
• Industry warning: cautious expansion to avoid overreach.

Official installation data and outlook

The MCS dashboard shows a 130% rise in residential installs in the first three months of 2023. That compares with the same period in 2022. Industry directors say momentum has continued since then.

Some distributors report demand has doubled. Installers are ramping up capacity. Still, constraints mean homeowner solar panel demand has risen sharply, with some firms reporting increases of over 50%, prompting waiting lists.

Industry leaders call for coordinated action. They want more funding, training programmes, and stronger policy signals. These measures aim to speed installations and secure long-term energy independence.