Households across Glasgow are increasingly looking to solar power as concerns mount over the long-term impact of geopolitical instability on electricity prices.
New research commissioned by Good Energy reveals that 71% of adults in the city are worried that global events will continue to drive up energy costs in the years ahead. While only 16% of Glasgow households currently have solar panels installed, more than a third (36%) say recent instability has prompted them to consider installing solar within the next one to two years.
The findings point to a notable shift in consumer motivation. With many households already feeling financial pressure, solar energy is being viewed less as an environmental choice and more as a practical way to manage rising costs. Long-term savings on energy bills were cited as the primary reason for considering solar by 36% of respondents, highlighting a growing desire for financial certainty.
This changing sentiment is already translating into increased demand. Good Energy reports a 91% rise in solar panel sales in the first quarter of the year, with March marking the company’s most successful month on record for installations. Online interest is also surging, with searches for solar panels up 104% since January.
Neighbour influence is proving to be a key driver of adoption. The research identifies a growing “Solar Street Effect”, with 39% of UK households saying they are more likely to consider upgrades such as solar panels if others in their area have already installed them. The visibility of installations is helping to normalise the technology and encourage wider uptake.
Alongside this, more households are pairing solar panels with battery storage systems to maximise efficiency and savings. Good Energy data shows that batteries featured in 78% of combined solar and storage sales in May to date, up from 62% in January. Standalone battery sales are also increasing, accounting for more than a quarter of monthly sales in March and April as households look to store energy for use during peak pricing periods.
Despite the growing momentum, challenges remain. Nearly one in three UK adults (30%) say they lack confidence in how solar panels work, suggesting that greater education and accessibility will be essential to sustaining growth in the sector.
Carl Hogg, Managing Director at Good Energy, said: “In the current climate, one thing that households are looking for is certainty around their electricity bills. Solar is one of the few ways people can take a bit more control, generate their own power and reduce their exposure to those global shocks. We have seen this reflected in demand, with a 91% increase in sales from February to March this year.
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“We are also seeing how much influence neighbours have. Once a few homes on a street install solar, others start to look into it seriously. It makes it feel more normal and more achievable.
“There is still a gap when it comes to understanding how it all works, and that is something the industry needs to keep improving. But the shift is clear. For many households now, this isn’t just about going green, it’s about energy independence.”
The research was conducted by Research Without Barriers (RWB), which surveyed more than 2,000 respondents between 24 and 26 April 2026.
