Last Updated on 31 July 2026 by Howard Klineberg

The UK’s renewable energy revolution is accelerating. More homeowners than ever are installing solar panels, battery storage systems, and smart energy tariffs to take control of rising energy costs. But many households are missing one of the biggest opportunities to maximise their investment.

If you’ve already installed solar panels and batteries but still rely on gas or oil central heating, you could be paying for energy that your own home is capable of providing.

By combining solar PV, battery storage, and modern electric radiators, homeowners can dramatically reduce their dependence on fossil fuels while making better use of the electricity they generate every day.

Solar Panel Installations Continue to Break Records

Solar energy has become one of the fastest-growing forms of renewable energy in the UK.

Recent industry figures show:

1. More than 269,000 solar installations were completed during 2025.
2. Over 27,000 new systems were installed in March 2026 alone.
3. Domestic battery storage installations more than doubled, as homeowners looked to store surplus solar electricity instead of exporting it back to the grid.
4. Equipment prices for domestic solar systems (0–10kW) fell by approximately 8–9%, making renewable energy more affordable than ever.

These figures demonstrate growing confidence in renewable technology and a desire among homeowners to protect themselves from unpredictable energy prices.

Why More UK Homeowners Are Installing Battery Storage

Solar panels generate the most electricity during daylight hours, when many people are at work and household demand is relatively low.

Without battery storage, much of this electricity is exported to the National Grid for relatively modest returns.

Battery storage changes everything.

Instead of exporting your electricity, you can store it and use it later when electricity prices are higher.

Better still, many energy suppliers now offer smart off-peak tariffs that allow batteries to recharge overnight at prices that are often comparable with mains gas on a cost-per-kWh basis.

This means your home can benefit from:

Free electricity generated by your solar panels.

Cheap overnight electricity stored in your battery.

Reduced reliance on expensive peak-rate electricity.

Greater energy independence.

The Missing Piece of the Renewable Energy Puzzle

Here’s the surprising part.

Thousands of UK homeowners have invested in solar panels and battery storage, yet they continue heating their homes using mains gas, LPG or oil.

That means they’re still paying fossil fuel prices while allowing their renewable electricity to go largely unused for one of the biggest energy demands in the home.

Heating and hot water account for around 70–80% of household energy consumption in many UK properties.

If your heating still relies on gas or oil, you’re not taking full advantage of your renewable energy investment.

How Much Does Gas Heating Cost?

A typical three or four-bedroom property can consume approximately 17,000kWh of gas each year for space heating and hot water.

Depending on current tariffs, annual heating costs can easily exceed £1,000 per year, with prices remaining vulnerable to global events and supply disruptions.

Recent geopolitical tensions have once again highlighted how international events can influence wholesale gas markets.

Reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels isn’t simply an environmental decision—it’s increasingly becoming a financial one.

Can Solar Panels Power Electric Radiators?

This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask.

The answer is yes.

Modern electric radiator systems work exceptionally well alongside solar panels and battery storage.

During the day, electricity generated by your solar panels can power your heating directly.

Any surplus energy can be stored in your batteries for evening use.

When solar generation is lower during winter months, batteries can be recharged overnight using low-cost off-peak electricity tariffs.

Instead of purchasing expensive daytime electricity or burning gas, you’re using electricity you’ve either generated yourself or purchased at significantly reduced rates.

Is Electric Heating Cheaper Than Gas?

Another common question is whether electric heating costs more than gas.

Historically, the answer was usually yes.

However, today’s renewable technologies have changed the equation.

When electric heating is powered by:

your own solar generation,

stored battery energy,

or low-cost overnight electricity,

the running costs can become highly competitive with gas—and in some situations significantly cheaper.

Rather than comparing standard electricity prices with gas prices, homeowners should compare the actual price they pay after solar generation and battery storage are taken into account.

For many households, that figure is dramatically lower.

Why Electric Radiators Make More Sense

Traditional central heating systems heat the entire house, regardless of which rooms are occupied.

Modern electric radiator systems work differently.

Each room has its own independent control, allowing homeowners to heat only the rooms they are actually using.

For example:

Working from home? Heat your office.

Watching television? Heat your lounge.

Bedrooms only need heating in the evening.

Unused rooms can remain off altogether.

This zoned approach often reduces overall energy consumption while improving comfort.

Electric Radiators vs Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are an excellent low-carbon technology for many homes, but they aren’t the only solution.

A typical air source heat pump may have a heating output of around 10kW because it is designed to serve the entire house.

By comparison, many living rooms require less than 2kW from a modern electric radiator to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Instead of heating the whole property, electric radiators provide heat precisely where and when it is needed.

For many existing homes—particularly those already equipped with solar panels and batteries—this can be a practical and cost-effective alternative.

How Solar Panels, Batteries and Electric Heating Work Together

Think of your home as its own miniature power station.

During sunny weather:

Solar panels generate electricity.

Your home uses what it needs.

Surplus electricity charges your battery.

The battery powers your home after sunset.

Any additional demand can be met using low-cost overnight charging.

Instead of relying on fossil fuels, your heating system becomes part of your home’s renewable energy ecosystem.

The result is lower bills, lower emissions and greater energy independence.

Can a 4kW Solar System Heat a Home?

Another frequently searched question is whether a standard domestic solar array can support home heating.

Every property is different, depending on insulation levels, occupancy, weather and heating habits.

However, a 4kW solar PV system can generate a significant proportion of a household’s annual electricity requirements.

When combined with battery storage and efficient room-by-room electric heating, it is possible for much of a home’s heating demand to be supplied using renewable electricity.

For example, a 4kW solar array can provide sufficient renewable electricity to operate a 12kW radTherm® electric radiator system during suitable generation periods—allowing homeowners to heat their property using electricity produced from sunlight at effectively zero fuel cost.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

The UK has committed to reducing carbon emissions while improving energy security.

Homeowners have an important role to play.

Installing solar panels is a fantastic first step.

Adding battery storage improves the financial return.

Replacing fossil-fuel heating with efficient electric radiators enables homeowners to make the most of every unit of renewable electricity they generate.

Rather than exporting valuable electricity to the grid and continuing to buy gas, your home can use its own clean energy where it delivers the greatest financial benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can solar panels power electric radiators?

Yes. Solar panels generate electricity that can be used immediately or stored in home batteries for later use. Modern electric radiators are an excellent match for solar PV systems.

Is battery storage worth it?

Battery storage allows homeowners to use more of the electricity they generate, reduce grid imports and benefit from low-cost overnight charging tariffs.

Is electric heating cheaper than gas?

When powered by solar panels and battery storage, electric heating can be highly competitive with gas because much of the electricity is either free or purchased at very low off-peak rates.

Should I replace my gas boiler with electric radiators?

Every property is different, but homeowners who already have solar panels and battery storage should consider whether electric radiators could help maximise the return on their renewable energy investment.

What is the best heating system for a house with solar panels?

The best solution depends on the property, but electric radiators offer excellent compatibility with solar PV because they use electricity directly, provide room-by-room control and can operate using solar generation, battery storage or low-cost off-peak electricity.

The Bottom Line

Investing in solar panels and battery storage is a major step towards lower energy bills and greater energy independence.

But if you’re still heating your home with gas or oil, you’re only part-way through the journey.

Modern electric radiators allow homeowners to use the electricity they’ve already invested in producing, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while maximising savings from solar generation and battery storage.

If you’ve already made the investment in renewable electricity, perhaps it’s time your heating system did the same.

Howard Klineberg

Howard is a proud member of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) and has been at the forefront of domestic electric heating and hot water innovation for over 20 years. As the driving force behind North East Heating Solutions, he combines deep industry expertise with a commitment to delivering reliable, future-focused solutions for customers.

Before founding the business, Howard built an impressive career in senior leadership roles across major US and European organisations, specialising in business turnaround and sustainable growth. This experience continues to shape his approach today—rooted in transparency, accountability, and a strong customer-first culture that runs throughout his team.