Iran war sparks solar panel boom as new tech helps homeowners slash energy bills

Business & FinanceEnvironment
30 Mar 2026 • 2:38 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • E.On has reported a 62 per cent surge in solar panel sales and website visits this month, attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and rising crude oil and natural gas prices.
  • The electricity supplier has launched a new automated service called 'Next Optimise' for homes equipped with solar panels and batteries.
  • Next Optimise charges batteries when wholesale electricity prices are low and then uses or exports the stored energy when prices are high, aiming to reduce household bills.
  • This technology, which has already been successfully implemented in 80,000 Australian homes, helps to insulate users from volatile fossil fuel markets.
  • The UK government supports solar power as vital for energy security, with Energy Consumers Minister Martin McCluskey announcing plans to make plug-in solar available in shops within months.

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