An energy industry supplier claims that the housing sector in the UK offers too little help for those wanting to live in energy efficient homes.

The firm – iChoosr – claims that none of the UK’s top 10 agency websites, nor portals Rightmove and Zoopla, include options to filter by energy efficiency when searching for a new rental home or property to buy. 

The firm claims that many home-seekers have increased interest in their energy consumption and are looking for ways to be more energy efficient. 

A spokesperson for the firm says: “The spike in solar panel adoption in 2023 was driven, in part, by the cost of living crisis and rising energy bills. But there has also been a significant mindset shift on installing renewable energy sources by UK homeowners and home-seekers. 

“There is now a near-on consensus across the UK that we are knee-deep in a climate emergency, demonstrating the urgent need for the transition towards renewable energy.”

“Homeowners are more likely than ever to invest in effective and sustainable solutions to improve their home now. Schemes like Solar Together make solar panels affordable and accessible for anyone to reap their environmental and financial benefits. It feels as though estate agents and property search sites are missing a trick by not reflecting homebuyers’ enthusiasm to adopt modern green energy sources. 

“It would be great to see estate agents take heed and add green energy sources like solar panels and heat pumps as a criterion on their websites to help homebuyers navigate the different energy options available.”

The firm claims that investing in solar panels can increase a property’s value by up to £2,722, “future-proofing it for the market and making it more appealing to buyers who are seeking a sustainable home.” 

It also says that adding a supporting solar battery allows residents to store the electricity produced, maximising utilisation and reducing carbon footprints by up to 15 per cent. It suggests that on average, those with a three-bedroom property with a solar panel system and a 5 kWh battery will save £669 per year on energy bills.