Octopus are running a scheme funded via Ofgem for free solar panels and batteries. No costs of any sort.
Might be worth investigating if you are eligible.
Solar Panels and a battery might currently cost in the region of £7k and upwards. The electricity saving will depend on your property, your usage, the weather etc
Excess electricity generated can be sold back to the grid.
Looking to the future, heat pumps require electricity to function, so it might open up accessing that alternative to a gas boiler when it needs replacing.
Technology for solar looks to be advancing at an incredible rate. A clear material has been invented which can generate electricity and be used as windows.
Alternative vehicle battery technology seems to be being announced every few days. 1000km range, quick charge times, vastly reduced fire risk with solid state batteries. Sodium batteries for city cars.
Materials that can be used as patios/driveways and generate electricity.
Flexible materials which can generate that could apply to car roofs and give you up to 50 miles extra range. Even paint can be used.
Mini wind turbines which are box shaped for days when the sun doesn’t shine.
I can’t help thinking that some people, perhaps with community batteries to assist, might not need to take electricity from the grid at all. They will farm solar in the summer and live off it in the winter. Could there be a number of people with no energy bills at all….no fuel costs either
Each home could become a mini power station. Working for the home owner….