Retail giants join UK government drive to boost ‘plug-in’ balcony solar panels

By: Jillian Ambrose Energy correspondent

16 June 2026 at 15:01

Asda, Amazon and B&Q among retailers in talks to sell devices that feed into household sockets and can cut electricity bills by 30%

Spanish homes save €10 a month via renewables expansion

Bosses of some of Britain’s biggest retailers are discussing plans with the government to start selling plug-in solar panels as part of a drive to encourage more UK homes to generate their own electricity.

Executives from brands including Currys, B&Q and Amazon met Martin McCluskey, the minister for energy consumers, on Tuesday to discuss guidelines for selling “balcony solar panels” to the British public.

I.R.A. Rebates for Appliance Swaps Could Be Phased Out

NYT - Energy & Environment

By: Maxine Joselow and Brad Plumer

1 June 2026 at 22:33

New guidance from the Energy Department would prevent people from receiving rebates after making such swaps.

The new guidance would also end rebates for the replacement of gas-powered dryers, heat pumps and water heaters.

Should I get air conditioning in the UK – and can it be green?

The Guardian - Energy

By: Chris Baraniuk and Zoe Wood

28 May 2026 at 16:58

As summers become hotter, air conditioner sales are booming. If you’re looking to invest, here’s what to consider

When a heatwave struck the UK this week, Jon Connorton, a software developer, began monitoring temperatures inside his east Hampshire terrace house. With some rooms reaching close to 40C, it was time to deploy the air conditioner. “We just wheel it out in emergencies,” he said. “We were having trouble sleeping.”

Connorton and his wife have a portable air conditioner. These plug-in devices cool interior air by removing heat from it and blowing that heat outside, typically via a large hose slung from a window or door.

UK needs to urgently install air conditioning in schools and care homes, climate campaigners say

The Guardian - Energy

By: Helena Horton

25 May 2026 at 15:43

Government should fit solar panels to power air con units where vulnerable people live, say green advocates

As the country baked in record May temperatures, climate campaigners have said the UK government needs to urgently start installing air conditioning units in schools, care homes and places where vulnerable people live.

In 2022, when temperatures spiked above 40C (104F), about 3,000 people in Britain died of causes associated with heat. Studies show air conditioning can cut heat related deaths by 75%.

Reading view