Energy Crisis: Solar Lessons

What did the energy crisis prove about solar?

What the 2022-23 energy crisis proved about UK solar: DEMAND SURGE: MCS installations went from ~5,000/month (2021) to ~15,000/month (2022-23). A 3x increase driven by electricity price fear. SAVINGS SPIKE: At 34p/kWh (Oct 2022 cap), a 4kW system saved £1,000-£1,400/yr — nearly double pre-crisis savings. PRICE INCREASE: Installation costs rose 20-30% during the crisis (demand > supply). A £6,000 system became £7,500-£8,000. WERE CRISIS BUYERS RIGHT?: YES. Even at inflated prices, the higher electricity rates meant payback was actually SHORTER (7-9 years) than pre-crisis (10-14 years). Crisis buyers got a great deal despite paying more. POST-CRISIS: Electricity never returned to pre-crisis levels. Pre-crisis: 17-21p/kWh. Current: 24.5p/kWh. The 'new normal' is 30-45% higher than pre-crisis. Solar economics remain excellent. KEY LESSON: Solar is a hedge against energy price volatility. It protects you whether prices rise, stay flat, or (unlikely) fall. Sources: Ofgem historical price cap data (ofgem.gov.uk), MCS installation data (mcscertified.com), ONS inflation data.