.jpg "Households can get solar panel subscriptions under the new government system")
Households can install solar panels through a subscription model as part of a government-backed trial aimed at encouraging the use of green technology.
Twelve projects will receive a share of £16 million in government funding to launch a pilot scheme aimed at reducing energy bills.
Among them is SunSave, a London-based company that will receive £2m in funding to trial a scheme that pays household solar panels for a monthly fee similar to a mobile phone, rather than up front.
High initial costs have proven to be a major barrier to residential solar, with only 3% of UK homes having solar panels installed despite the potential savings for households.
The Energy Savings Trust estimates that the average cost of installing solar panels is around £7,000, saving £160 to £420 on bills and allowing households to sell up to £145 of electricity into the grid.
That means it will take 15 to 20 years before the tipping point is reached before households start saving money on solar panels.
Sue Davis, which one? The head of consumer policy said: “It's great that a new scheme is being launched to help families cut costs and get better support and advice.
"However, much remains to be done to improve the availability and affordability of quality advice and support and access to qualified and reliable installers."
SunSave estimates the company could save customers around £45 a month based on its current solar panel and battery subscription model, including installation, monitoring and ongoing maintenance.
The company received funding from former M&S chief Lord Rose and former Tory treasurer Lord Spencer.
Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Minister Lord Callanan said: “With energy bills reaching record levels, we are taking action to ease the pressure on working families across the country.
“But we're not resting on our laurels, and these innovative projects will enable more families to save money and reduce emissions.
"We're always working to test innovative ways to make energy storage systems more affordable and accessible, so people can make their homes greener and warmer."
Other pilot projects include green mortgages, which offer lower rates if customers improve the energy efficiency of their homes, and green loans for homeowners and renters.
Energy giant EON will also receive funding to develop a clean energy subscription model for 350 households, which could include installing heat pumps and solar panels.
The pilot project runs through February 2025 and is led by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero.
Homes account for around 17% of the UK's total greenhouse gas emissions, most of which comes from boilers.
The government supports heat pumps as a major replacement for gas boilers, but warns that significant energy efficiency improvements are needed to ensure homes operate efficiently.
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