Brits are turning their backs on having eco-friendly solar panels installed on their homes because they are deemed too ugly, research has revealed.
The devices, which convert sunlight into electricity, are playing a major part in the UK’s bid to reduce its carbon emissions.
But new research commissioned by energyadvicehelpline.org has found some UK homeowners would turn their nose up at solar energy even if it was free, due to aesthetics.
Some 21 per cent of homeowners said they would reject the offer of free solar panels being installed at their properties, and of those respondents, 35 per cent said the reason was because they are ugly.
Increasingly common
Ryan Harrison, director at energyadvicehelpline.org said: “Solar panels are becoming an increasingly common sight on homes across the country, and there’s no doubt they will become more and more popular in the future.
“It’s a clean and green renewable energy source that will help us reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and help the UK’s bid to reach net zero carbon emissions.
“However, it’s clear that large sections of the population remain to be convinced on whether it’s worthwhile or not having them installed.
“Our research shows just a fifth of homeowners would accept the offer of free solar panel installation, while a quarter are undecided.
“And the reasons for refusal range from being deemed unsightly or ugly to being suspicious of anything that is offered at zero cost.”
Energyadvicehelpline.org is a leading energy expert service helping people discover government-backed grants they can apply for to cut the cost of making their home more energy efficient.
These include the ECO4 Scheme, which started last year, that provides insulation, air source heat pump systems and the installation of solar panels for renewable energy.
Survey
The company teamed up with firm OnePoll to quiz 1,000 UK homeowners on issues ranging from attitudes towards renewable energy sources to experiences with rising bills.
Some 54 percent of respondents said they would accept the offer of having solar panels installed for free.
Of those, 90 per cent said it is because it would reduce the cost of their energy bills, while 72 per cent said it’s because they are good for the environment.
Furthermore, 44 per cent of homeowners said they would welcome free solar panels because it would increase the value of their homes.
