27 March 2024
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There are 95,454 searches on Google for heat pumps each month in the UK, according to new research by Confused.com
Confused.com looked at the UK’s most in-demand renewable energy sources based on consumer search data and the amount of media mentions. We also found the UK locations with the most renewable energy installation companies to reveal which area is the most prepared for renewable energy adoption.
This research comes as Brits continue to pay out hundreds of pounds each month in energy bills. And while the energy price cap has decreased since 2021, the current price cap, which sits at £1,928, is still 64% higher than 4 years ago[1]. Although the switch to renewable energy may come with initial installation costs, government initiatives are encouraging people to make the switch to not only save money but improve carbon emissions.
Heat pumps are the most in-demand green energy source in the UK
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* Average monthly search volume (November 2022 - December 2023)
In the period between November 2022 and December 2023, heat pumps were the most searched energy source in the UK. On average, they gained 96,000 Google searches per month, totalling over 1 million searches over a year.
As well as Googling the alternative heating system, people are also seeking information on TikTok (57,900 monthly searches). People are also starting the purchase process, on Amazon (120,000 monthly searches) and eBay (62,100 monthly searches).
The reason for the high demand for heat pumps may be a result of the UK government's current Boiler Upgrade Scheme. This offers a £7,500 grant for the cost and installation of an air source and ground source heat pump. You can buy these for between £8,750 to £14,050[2]. Therefore, people are increasingly seeking information on heat pumps to decide whether to make the switch before the grant ends in 2027.
Solar panels take second spot, gaining 68,187 searches per month in 2023. This is unsurprising considering that on average it takes just 1.6 years to offset their carbon footprint, as solar panels save over 9kg of CO2 each year[3].
Additionally, electric radiators (39,323**), wind turbines (23,515**) and underfloor heating (37,400**) are also in high demand. While Google searches each month are considerable, Amazon searches for these energy sources were higher. For example, searches for electric radiators on Amazon were 31% higher than Google searches last year. Wind turbine and underfloor heating searches were 41% and 35% higher on Amazon, this shows that Brits are looking to buy renewable energy installations.
** Average Monthly Google searches between Nov 2022 - Dec 2023
Heat pumps, solar panels and wind turbines have received the the most media attention in the past year
The topic of renewable energy is likely to hold a strong conversation in the media over the next decade. That’s as the country ramps up its efforts in adopting green initiatives to become net zero by 2050.
In total there have been 2,359 articles published on heat pumps, 1,975 on solar panels, and 699 on wind turbines alone in the past year. While generally, these 3 green energy sources are developed and well known, media mentions continue to show them in a positive light.
Specifically, articles covering heat pumps have mainly covered the rising demand, skyrocketing sales and the long-term cost benefits. Reports of solar panels have recently been dominated by new developments in solar panels which provide 30% more efficiency. News on wind turbines is largely dominated by reports of new wind farms, the public has mixed feelings on these.
Readers are also interested in articles about renewable energy sources. Articles on solar panels were the most popular with readers. A total of 160,534 people clicked on these articles over the course of a year. 30% of all engagement came from articles on the adoption of solar panel installation in western states of America. Here, this type of energy source is not only able to power millions of homes but could create thousands of jobs[4].
Aldershot has the most renewable energy companies per 10,000 population
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While it’s evident that demand for renewable energy sources is high, supply for the installation of green energy is lacking. In fact, only 17% of all UK towns and cities have at least 1 renewable company per 10,000 population. In 12% of locations, there are no renewable energy installation companies registered at all.
However, the number of companies specialising in green energy is likely to grow significantly. That’s because the demand for green energy is continually growing as the country works to create energy security and heads towards net zero. A government initiative is supporting this by providing £200 million to help people across the country launch careers in key industries, including green energy[5].
That being said, at present Aldershot is leading the way in sustainable energy. This Hampshire town has 6.5 renewable energy installation companies per 10,000 population.
Chatham takes second place with 4.2 renewable installation companies per 10,000 people. Crawley’s population is 35% larger than Chatham, this reduces the number of available renewable installation companies to 2.7 per 10,000 people.
All UK renewable energy installation companies offer an excellent service
There’s not a huge amount of renewable energy installation companies in the UK. But the ones that do exist generally provide a quality service. None of the companies in the 59 locations analysed had an average customer rating of below 4, showing their knowledge tof green energy.
Plymouth’s sole renewable insulation company has received a rating of 5 stars. Southampton, Bournemouth, Exeter and York all have an average rating of 4.97 for the services that these companies provide.
However, in the top 10 rated locations for renewable installation companies, Reading stands out. It has 20 renewable companies registered in the area, these maintain an average rating of 4.96.
A spokesperson for Confused.com energy comments: “The UK is ramping up its sustainability efforts as it aims to reach net zero by 2050. Because of this, individuals are beginning to show interest in green energy sources to heat their homes.
“It’s clear that the interest in green energy sources is there, with searches for these energy sources increasing each year. However, the supply of green energy installation companies is still lacking. However, with the support from government initiatives offering funding to support skills training in green energy, we might start to see a larger shift towards renewable energy adoption. While the costs of switching energy sources come at an initial expense, it’s much cheaper than heating your home using traditional fossil fuels in the long run.”
To find the latest deals, visit Confused.com’s energy page.
Source
- Standard variable tariff price cap levels from 2019 - 2024
- The average price of a heat pump
- The amount of energy a typical solar panel saves per year
- Adoption of solar panels in US states estimated to generate substantial energy and jobs
- Government initiative, offering £200 million funding to support green energy training
