Free solar panels and battery storage can cut energy bills for vulnerable households by 62%, saving an average of £681 a year, according to new research from the Centre for Net Zero.
The findings come from a randomised controlled trial involving 708 households eligible for the Warm Home Discount, which received free solar and battery installations between 2024 and 2026.
The research found households reduced their electricity drawn directly from the grid by 38%, while net grid imports fell by 77%. Evening peak imports between 4pm and 8pm were reduced by 66%, potentially easing pressure on electricity networks during periods of high demand.
Andy Hackett, Head of Policy at Centre for Net Zero, said: “This trial shows that putting homes in fuel poverty first in line for the rooftop revolution would deliver huge cuts to their bills that will continue for the lifetime of the assets. For a government looking to protect those most exposed to high energy prices, there are few better uses of public money.”
The combination of solar and batteries also delivered significant seasonal savings. Households saved around £94 in July, exceeding their typical monthly bill of £80, while December savings averaged £24.
The battery element contributed around £148 of annual savings by shifting electricity use away from peak periods.
The Centre for Net Zero is calling for targeted funding for solar and battery installations in fuel-poor homes, alongside time-of-use tariffs and wider access to technologies such as plug-in solar and batteries.
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