'Postcode lottery' for heat pump and solar approvals exposed in new data

Solar panels on the roof of a cottage and a heat pump outside of a stone wall of the house
Octopus Energy suggest five methods to speed up approval times to make installations fairer across the UK (Image credit: Getty Images)

Homeowners looking to install heat pumps, solar panels, or EV chargers may find themselves caught in a postcode lottery, with approval times ranging from just one day to more than six weeks depending on where they live.

New data from Octopus Energy highlights significant regional variation in how quickly low-carbon home technologies are approved for installation, differences driven by the internal processes of regional electricity network operators.

Joseph Mullane
News Editor

News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals.  Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.