Interest in solar panels, heat pumps and electric vehicles has surged as households worry about rising energy and petrol costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East. Octopus Energy reported a 54 per cent rise in solar panel sales in March compared with a year earlier, alongside a 51 per cent increase in heat pump sales and a 20 per cent rise in electric vehicle charger installations.

Although energy bills are currently limited by the regulator's price cap, forecasts suggest costs could climb sharply in the coming months if disruption to oil and gas supplies continues. Rising wholesale prices and the prospect of more expensive fixed deals are prompting many households to consider generating their own power.

While installation costs for solar panels and batteries can run into thousands of pounds, some homeowners say the long term savings are significant. One retired couple in Devon said they now pay nothing for energy most months and occasionally earn money by selling excess electricity back to the grid, estimating it will take about eight years to recoup their initial investment.

Industry experts say growing demand is helping to drive down costs over time, though they caution against choosing the cheapest installation over quality and consumer protections. For many households, the switch is motivated by both financial concerns and a desire to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.