Analysis by Pixie Energy of the BEIS Public Attitudes Tracker survey shows that although there is a real push for households to adopt renewable heat many are simply not aware of the options available are to them.
The graph below illustrates how little is known about the four key technologies: solar thermal, air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps and biomass boilers.
Ken McRae, General Manager at Pixie Energy said:
“Despite the ongoing push for renewable heating by the government, the survey highlights that more still needs to be done to spread awareness of renewable heat on a domestic level.
“Over two-thirds of respondents did not know about air and ground source heat pumps, and 63% had no knowledge around biomass boilers. Furthermore, approximately 98% of respondents for the same technologies were either not aware or not likely to install any domestic renewable heating in the next few years.
“In reality, the lack of awareness is due to the fact, that easily digestible information is less accessible than the more intuitive technologies such as wind or solar. This is reflected in the figures, with the knowledge of solar thermal panels scoring significantly higher.
“The survey also found an apparent disparity between those on a higher income knowing the most about the renewable heat technologies compared to those on the lower incomes. With 40% of those on a salary £16,000 or below bracket having any knowledge of the options available, compared to 70% of respondents who earned £50,000 a year.
“If the government is to advance its initiatives to meet the climate change and fuel poverty targets, coverage of renewable heating will need to be expanded – with a more ‘household friendly’ approach – to reach a far wider audience than currently exists.”
About Pixie Energy
Pixie Energy was set up in 2015 to promote change in GB energy market, to the benefit of consumers and communities. It seeks to explore and support commercial innovation and new entry in local energy markets based around smart, flexible technologies.
