A report by the Common Wealth thinktank is urging the government to intervene to make solar panels more accessible by reducing the cost of loans. The report suggests a scheme funded by "solar bonds," which would be retail investment products similar to national savings investments.
Under the proposed scheme, households would pay significantly lower interest rates for solar panels, estimated at about half the current market rates of 9% to 10%. Donal Brown, lead author of the Common Wealth report, estimates this could cut household energy bills by approximately £250 a year. The 25-year loans could be repaid through an addition to standard energy bills and would be attached to the property.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero stated that ministers are already promoting clean energy and working to lower energy bills. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh highlighted that almost 150,000 solar installations occurred in the first six months of 2026. The department also mentioned zero and low-interest loans for solar panels, batteries, and heat pumps, which could save families around £550 annually.
Gemma Grimes, director of policy and delivery at Solar Energy UK, welcomed the proposal for green bonds as a way to accelerate rooftop solar adoption.