Octopus Energy’s data looked at the number of solar energy queries between February 28 and March 7, 2026 compared to average weekly queries.
Since the conflict escalated at the end of February, gas prices have risen by more than 60%. As the conflict continues, households will likely want to invest in energy sources for their homes that are self-sufficient and renewable.
This allows them to reduce their dependence on gas, reducing the financial blow of the current volatility in the gas market.
“We are seeing a fundamental shift in the national psyche when it comes to energy. With the second shock to the energy market in less than five years, homeowners are looking for certainty,” said Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Chief Product Officer at Octopus Energy.
Furthermore, current sector data from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) has shown that Britain is experiencing a record year for solar energy. By 2025, more than 260,000 homes installed solar energy, resulting in a total of 1.8 million UK households generating solar energy.
More data from MCS shows that UK battery installations have almost doubled year-on-year, allowing households to store excess energy for peak use in the evenings.
Combined, the Octopus Energy and MCS datasets appear to indicate a trend British households looking to improve their energy security through renewable sources.
Dibb-Simkin added: “This rise in interest in solar energy suggests that people are now seeing their roofs as a frontline of their financial resilience. By generating their own energy, they can help protect their bank accounts against global energy crises.”
In a press release discussing the February and March findings, Octopus Energy names British-based Norwich homeowners Elizabeth and Keith Stork as a case study. The couple explained that they save £60 (US$79) per month on their energy bills thanks to their solar and battery installations.
A report from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) confirmed this sentiment, as it found that home solar panels reduce reliance on the national grid and reduce household bills.
DESNZ’s June 2025 Solar Road Map specifically stated that a homeowner could reduce their energy bills by around £500 (US$665) on average by using rooftop solar PV.
Gas prices in Britain and Europe rose again on Thursday morning (March 19) after overnight attacks on energy infrastructure in the Middle East, further increasing pressure on British households to reduce their gas bills.
