Green energy adoption rises once more after record breaking installation figures in 2023
Heat pumps are an alternative to traditional boilers(Image credit: Vaillant)
Heat pump installations rose by 30% year-on-year in March, according to data from an industry accreditation scheme.
The data from the MCS, the industry’s official standards body, also shows a spike in the number of people installing solar batteries.
The surge in green energy adoption by households is leading to an increase in the installation of renewable energy sources like ground and air source heat pumps.
4,508 certified heat pump installations in March
The MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) reports there were 4,508 certified heat pump installations in March alone, making it the second-best month in the Scheme’s history.
The statistic comes from The MCS Data Dashboard, which provides near-real-time dynamic visualisations of the uptake of small-scale renewable technologies, such as heat pumps, across the UK.
Installing an air source heat pump has grown in popularity among householders thanks to a mix of concerns about the climate and fluctuating energy prices.
Solar battery storage installations see 707% annual increase
The data also shows that battery storage installations are on the rise, with March exceeding 1,000 installations for just the second month ever and marking a 707% increase on the total for March 2023.
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Solar batteries effectively allow homeowners to make use of the electricity generated by their solar panels when they need it most by storing it.
MCS say ‘expect to keep seeing these high numbers’
Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, says help with air source heat pump costs from manufacturers and authorities has helped drive adoption.
He added: “The latest data shows the heat pump market continues to go from strength to strength.
“Looking at the first quarter as a whole, we’ve seen a 30% increase in average monthly heat pump installations compared with 2023 – which was the best year ever for the technology.
“This shows that homeowner confidence in renewable heating is growing, and as more consumers take advantage of government initiatives – such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, ECO4, Home Energy Scotland, VAT reduction on battery storage, and many more – expect to keep seeing these high numbers.”
Sam is based in Coventry and has been a news reporter for nearly 20 years. His work has featured in the Mirror, The Sun, MailOnline, the Independent, and news outlets throughout the world. As a copywriter, he has written for clients as diverse as Saint-Gobain, Michelin, Halfords Autocentre, Great British Heating, and Irwin Industrial Tools. During the pandemic, he converted a van into a mini-camper and is currently planning to convert his shed into an office and Star Wars shrine.
