RISING DEMAND FOR ENERGY-SAVING PRODUCTS DESPITE COST REMAINING BIGGEST BARRIER TO ADOPTION

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  Posted by: electime      29th January 2026

  • Solar panels remain the most popular energy-saving measure despite only 38 per cent of homeowners owning or considering adding to their homes
  • Wind turbines and underfloor heating were the second and third most popular, respectively
  • Two-thirds (61 per cent) of homeowners feel upfront cost is the biggest barrier to retrofitting, highlighting the importance of affordable energy-saving products
  • 60 per cent of homeowners feel they do not know enough about financial support or grants for retrofitting
  • Energy experts at Uswitch explore how a lack of awareness and financial concerns remain a barrier for homeowners in reducing energy consumption.

By 2050, four in five homes that will exist in the UK have already been built today, but in order to reach the UK’s net-zero goals, most will require retrofitting with low-carbon heating systems and energy-efficient improvements. As the Government’s Warm Homes Plan sets out to help households save up to £600 off energy bills based on the installation of heat pumps and other technologies, new research has uncovered which energy-saving products are most in demand.

New research, from energy experts at Uswitch, the comparison and switching service, has uncovered the energy-saving and green upgrades most in demand by consumers. To understand the popularity of technologies from heat pumps to solar panels, biomass boilers and more, the data analyses online searches to see average monthly search volumes as well as year-on-year increases across search engine, retail and social media channels.

Rank Energy Saving Product Google Monthly Searches TikTok Monthly Search Volume Amazon Monthly Search Volume YouTube Monthly Search Volume Final Index Score
1 Solar panel 84,900 47,300 97,800 69,400 79
2 Wind turbine 24,040 17,300 35,800 25,400 75
3 Underfloor heating 39,480 21,200 43,700 31,100 70
4 Smart thermostat 10,300 7,700 16,000 11,400 66
5 Biomass boiler 19,900 3,500 7,100 5,100 64
6 Heat pump 51,130 31,700 65,400 46,400 61
7 Loft Insulation 36,600 25,900 53,500 38,000 59
8 Electric radiator 33,100 21,200 43,700 31,100 58
9 Pellet stove 2,540 1,500 3,200 2,300 53
10 Smart heating controls 1,300 830 1,700 1,200 50
11 Low-temperature radiator 170 130 280 200 46
12 Cavity wall insulation 18,100 14,200 29,300 20,800 43
13 Floor Insulation 5,620 3,500 7,100 5,100 40
14 Thermal energy storage 590 380 780 550 38
15 Infrared heating panel 28,810 3,500 7,100 5,100 34

Source: Uswitch.com

  1. Solar panels had the highest online searches across Google, major social media channels and Amazon. Despite their popularity and predicted annual savings of £600, survey data from Uswitch shows that only 38 per cent of homeowners have or would consider adding solar panels to their homes.
  1. Wind turbines came second overall in the research. While less popular than solar panels, off-grid power sources like turbines can be added to homes either through rooftop or standalone options. While generally more expensive than solar panels, the UK’s status as the windiest country in Europe means that retrofitting wind turbines can generate a significant amount of energy.
  2. Underfloor heating-related searches have decreased across all major platforms; however, it remains the third most popular energy-saving installation. With high installation costs, underfloor heating can be the right option for new build homes or when building a new room or extension.
  3. Smart thermostats are the fourth most popular energy-saving device, despite only 35 per cent owning or considering installing them. With costs between £100 to £200 to install, smart thermostats don’t directly save money on energy bills; they provide an option to heat your home more efficiently, helping to manage consumption.
  4. Biomass boilers are generally cheaper to run than gas or oil systems, costing around £400–£600 per year. While a more energy-efficient and sustainable option, they can be expensive to install. Those living in rural areas and unconnected to the gas grid could be eligible for £5,000 off installation costs as part of the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

While the research shows increased interest in energy-saving retrofits, survey analysis also uncovers that two-thirds (61 per cent) of homeowners believe upfront cost is the biggest barrier to retrofitting.

Nearly two-thirds (60 per cent) feel they do not know enough about the financial support or grants available to retrofit, while nearly half (48 per cent) feel that retrofitting feels too disruptive, confusing or complex.

Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com says: “While interest in energy-saving technologies is still high, many households still feel unsure about where to start.

“Retrofitting doesn’t have to mean a full home overhaul; even small steps can make a difference to your energy use and long-term savings.

“The Government’s support schemes are an important opportunity, and we’d encourage homeowners to explore what funding they might be eligible for before ruling out improvements.”

For more advice on how to save money on your energy bills and guidance on energy grants available, visit Uswitch.