The British public has spoken: 68% of adults support clean power as a route to stronger energy security, according to a poll conducted by Opinium and reported by BusinessGreen. That is not a fringe view, it cuts across age, region, and voting intention. For homeowners wondering whether to invest in solar panels, a heat pump, or better insulation, this matters. Political consensus around clean energy reduces the risk that grants are pulled or regulations reversed mid-install.
Who supports what, and why it matters for your home
The poll shows 71% of Labour voters and 56% of Conservative voters agree that clean power improves energy security. That is a surprisingly narrow gap. When the two largest parties agree on a direction of travel, the likelihood of sustained subsidy schemes rises sharply. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which offers £7,500 off a heat pump, is currently funded until 2028. The Great British Insulation Scheme runs until March 2026. Both could be extended if public pressure holds.
What this means for your energy bills
Clean power is not free upfront. A typical air-source heat pump installation costs between £7,000 and £14,000 after the grant, depending on property size and existing radiators. Solar panels for a 3-bed semi run £5,000–£8,000. But the long-run arithmetic is compelling: the Energy Saving Trust estimates a heat pump can cut heating bills by 20–40% compared to a gas boiler, and solar panels can save £300–£500 a year on electricity at current price cap levels. The price cap itself, set by Ofgem every three months, remains vulnerable to gas price spikes. Clean power reduces that exposure.
The catch: installation capacity and grid readiness
Yet public support does not equal a functioning installation market. The UK has roughly 4,000 certified heat pump installers, far short of the 50,000 the Climate Change Committee says are needed by 2030. Wait times for a heat pump can stretch to 12 weeks in some regions. The grid also needs upgrading: National Grid’s Electricity System Operator projects that peak demand could rise by 50% by 2035 as heating and transport electrify. That means local substation upgrades, which may cause delays or extra connection costs for homeowners wanting solar-plus-battery systems.
What you can do now
For homeowners, the message is clear: the political weather is favourable, but the installation bottleneck is real. If you are considering a heat pump or solar array, book a survey now. Grants are finite and installer diaries fill fast. Check your EPC rating first, homes with an EPC of D or below may need insulation upgrades before a heat pump works efficiently, and those upgrades can unlock additional funding under local authority schemes. The Energy Saving Trust’s online tool can estimate your home’s suitability in ten minutes. Act before the queue lengthens.
Frequently Asked Questions
The scheme is currently funded until 2028. Given the strong public support for clean power, it is likely to be extended, but no official confirmation has been made. Check gov.uk for updates.
Savings depend on your current heating system, insulation, and energy use. The Energy Saving Trust estimates 20–40% on heating bills compared to a gas boiler, but a full home survey is needed for an accurate figure.
