Ministers reportedly believe the mass rollout of green power technology will see some homes effectively bill-free.
Ed Miliband with Sir Keir Starmer (Image: Getty)
Ed Miliband is preparing to unveil plans for a mass expansion of solar panels, heat pumps and battery storage in a bid to create “zero bill” homes. Up to £13 billion has been allocated for the plans which will see millions of homes across the country eligible for grants to install the eco-friendly equipment, according to reports.
It is thought the Energy Secretary, Labour’s chief net-zero supporter, will set out the proposals under the ‘Warm Homes Plan’ next month. Ministers reportedly believe the mass rollout of the technology will see some homes effectively bill-free, paying little or nothing for their power, while others will have a major reduction in costs. The plans are also expected to include the lifting of restrictions on “plug-in solar” panels that can be installed on balconies, patios and flat roofs.
Solar panels on UK homes (Image: Getty)
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero believes the multi-billion-pound plan will help the public see the benefits of green power, according to The Times.
It reports ministers are hoping to work with banks and energy firms to provide capital for schemes which allow homes to install the kit.
It would likely incur no upfront costs, with the loan then repaid through monthly bills over a five- or 10-year period.
Nigel Banks, technical director of Octopus Energy, told The Times that one million homes with quality insulation could reduce their bills to nil if solar panels, batteries and a heat pump were installed.
“With flexible energy tariffs, the opportunity is now there for homeowners to effectively pay no energy bills at all,” he said.
The firm believes some homes could reduce their monthly cost by £90 by opting for green power.
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said: “We are investing an additional £1.5 billion into our warm homes plan, taking it to nearly £15 billion — the biggest ever public investment to upgrade homes and tackle fuel poverty ever.
“We are doubling down on support for home upgrades and will set out our plans to help households, and support thousands more clean energy jobs soon.”
