image sourced from original article at Britons are increasingly turning to solar power as conflict in the Middle East drives up oil and gas prices, prompting concerns over energy security and household bills. Energy supplier E.On reported a 62 percent rise in solar panel sales this month compared with the previous month, alongside a sharp increase in visits to its solar information pages.
The company has launched a new automated service called Next Optimise, designed to help households with solar panels and batteries cut costs. The system charges batteries when wholesale electricity prices are low and uses or exports stored energy when prices rise. The technology has already been widely adopted in Australia, where strong solar uptake has helped reduce exposure to global energy shocks.
Industry leaders and government officials say accelerating the shift to clean, homegrown energy is essential to shield households from volatile fossil fuel markets. With oil and gas prices surging following disruptions in the Middle East, ministers argue that expanding solar access, including plug-in options for homes, will strengthen energy security and help consumers manage long-term costs.
