Over a third of UK adults assume the UK’s weather isn’t right for solar panels, according to a new survey
Hive erects solar-powered ‘Solar Henge’ at Alexandra Palace
Millions of Brits have no idea where the energy they use every day comes from. A survey of 2,000 adults found that 29% were baffled by how power is produced and where it comes from, with 16% were oblivious to the fact that the UK imports some of its energy.
The study also revealed that over a third of adults mistakenly believe that the UK’s climate is unsuitable for solar panels, with one in five convinced that the UK doesn’t receive enough sunlight to effectively operate solar panels, 17% think they’ll stop working for hours or be permanently damaged after an event like a solar eclipse.
The research was commissioned by eco-tech firm Hive, which constructed ‘Solar Henge’ a solar-powered replica of the iconic Stonehenge – to celebrate the sun’s power following a solar eclipse on Saturday 29th March.
Staged at London’s Alexandra Palace, the installation and viewing party was entirely powered by 52 solar ‘stones’, each measuring 5.6m by 1.3m. The aim was to demonstrate that solar energy can be harnessed even on overcast days and to raise awareness of solar power’s potential.
The solar energy from the stones also fuelled a ‘Solar Serves’ food and drink truck, serving breakfast patties in charcoal buns and providing music to create an atmosphere for the eclipse.
Hive spokesperson, Susan Wells, commented: “Many people assume that solar panels need direct, intense sunlight to generate electricity, but that’s simply not the case.
“Solar technology is designed to work efficiently even on cloudy days, meaning the UK’s weather is no barrier to harnessing renewable energy.”
Susan added: “Modern panels capture daylight rather than heat, allowing them to generate power even when the sky is overcast. In fact, countries with similar climates to the UK, like Germany, have been successfully using solar energy for years.”
The research revealed that 48% of homeowners do not currently have solar panels but would consider installing them and a significant 68% expressed a desire for their homes to be powered entirely by renewable energy.
Of the 68% who either have solar panels or are considering getting them, the prospect of lower energy bills was a key motivator, with 48% also citing environmental concerns.
Hive’s spokesperson, Susan Wells, added: “Stonehenge was said to predict the eclipse, educating others on how the sun works from 2500 BC.
“Fast forward to 2025 and we are mirroring the monument, aiming to empower the UK by showing how we can harness the sun’s energy to create electricity.”
