Charging Ahead: Solar, Batteries & Energy Freedom

The UK’s ambition to reach net zero electricity by 2030 is bold—but is it realistic? According to experts, the government’s current strategy is missing a critical piece of the puzzle: homes. 

Professor Andrew Crossland, a leading energy expert, and Andrew ‘Birchy’ Birch, CEO of OpenSolar, argue that the future of energy cannot rely solely on big wind farms and nuclear plants. Instead, it needs to empower households with solar power and battery storage—giving people greater control over their energy, cutting bills, and reducing reliance on centralised power stations. 

As Labour’s Clean Power 2030 plan gathers momentum, both Andrews are calling for urgent government intervention to make solar and battery systems accessible for all—not just for those who can afford the upfront costs. 

The Missing Piece in Labour’s Energy Plan 

Currently, around 30% of the UK’s electricity still comes from fossil fuels. Labour has pledged to reduce that to just 5% by 2030—a rapid transition that will depend on massive investment in offshore and onshore wind farms. 

But while large-scale renewables are essential, Crossland and Birch warn that ignoring homes in this transition is a major risk. The UK has millions of rooftops that could be generating clean energy, yet they are largely absent from government plans. 

“Labour’s energy strategy is built by big energy, for big energy,” says Birch. “But what about the millions of homes that could be part of the solution? This is where government intervention is desperately needed.” 

Their argument is simple: solar and batteries in homes create a more resilient, decentralised grid. If millions of households can store excess energy on sunny or windy days, they can use it later—reducing pressure on the national grid and keeping costs down. 

The numbers speak for themselves

• 7 million solar-powered homes by 2030 could reduce energy bills by 10% more than the current Clean Power Plan. 

• It would create 80,000 jobs and cut emissions by 80%. 

• It could reduce reliance on fossil fuel power stations like Drax by 25%. 

But to make this a reality, the government must act now. How Social Housing Landlords Can Lead the Way. With millions of social housing tenants struggling to afford rising energy bills, solar and battery storage could be a game-changer—but only if landlords and policymakers step up. 

What can social landlords do? 

• Leverage funding opportunities – Many retrofit grants and green finance schemes exist, but social landlords need to proactively seek them out and lobby for dedicated funding. 
  

• Embrace solar subscription models – Instead of requiring huge upfront investments, landlords can explore pay-as-you-go models where solar and battery systems are installed at no initial cost to tenants. 

• Integrate solar into planned maintenance – When upgrading roofs, windows, or heating systems, landlords should incorporate solar and battery storage at the same time, maximising efficiency.

• Advocate for policy changes – Social landlords are in a powerful position to lobby government for policies that make renewables accessible for lower-income households. 

“This isn’t just about hitting carbon targets” says Crossland. “It’s about reducing fuel poverty, improving health, and giving social housing tenants the same access to clean energy as homeowners.” 

The Government Must Step Up 

While the cost of solar panels and batteries has fallen by 90% in the last decade, they still require upfront investment. For millions of people—especially those in social housing or on prepayment meters—this remains out of reach. 

Crossland and Birch are urging the government to: 

• Introduce low-cost finance options, so households can pay for solar and batteries monthly instead of upfront. 
  

• Support subscription models, allowing renters and lower-income households to access solar without long-term ownership commitments. 
  

• Ensure all households—not just the wealthy—can benefit from clean energy. 

“There are tens of billions earmarked for offshore wind” says Crossland. “If even a fraction of that was redirected into affordable solar and battery finance, it would transform the way households access clean power.” 

The key takeaway? The technology is ready, the demand is there, and the benefits are undeniable. Now, it’s time for policymakers to catch up and make home-based renewables a core part of the UK’s net zero strategy. 

A Vision for 2030: People-Powered Energy 

By 2030, the UK could have a smarter, cheaper, and cleaner energy system—one where people own their power, rather than just paying for it. 

But achieving this vision won’t happen by accident. Without decisive government support, the risk is that the poorest households miss out on the energy revolution, while big utilities reap the benefits. 

Social landlords can be part of the solution—but they can’t do it alone. It’s time for government action to ensure that everyone, regardless of income, can benefit from cheaper, cleaner energy. 

Electrical Protocol White Paper 

This is a moment of opportunity. The question is,  will the government take it?