Key facts
- Rooftop solar panels act as a barrier to the sun, absorbing UV radiation and reflecting sunlight to keep homes cooler.
- A study suggested widespread solar panel installation could have cooled London by 0.3C during a 2018 heatwave, potentially preventing 96 heat-related deaths.
- Solar panels can reduce a building's ceiling temperature by nearly 3C during the day and help retain heat at night.
- Solar power can offset the energy consumption of air conditioning units during heatwaves.
- Taking action like installing solar panels can help reduce climate anxiety and foster a sense of empowerment and community.
- Homes with solar panels may see their value increase by 2% to 14%, according to various reports.
Rooftop solar panels offer several benefits beyond reducing energy bills and contributing to the EU's energy transition, including keeping homes cooler during extreme heat and potentially increasing property value. According to Eurostat data, solar energy accounted for over 17 percent of the EU's electricity mix in the first quarter of 2026.
Research indicates that solar panels create a thermal barrier, absorbing UV radiation and reflecting sunlight, which can significantly reduce indoor temperatures. A 2024 study by UCL and the University of Exeter suggested that widespread installation in London could have cooled the city by 0.3C during a 2018 heatwave, potentially preventing 96 heat-related deaths. An earlier study from UC San Diego found that ceilings under solar panels were nearly 2.78C cooler during the day and retained heat at night, reducing both cooling and heating costs.
Solar panels can also help mitigate the environmental impact of air conditioning. During a recent UK heatwave, rooftop solar generated enough electricity to power an AC unit for five hours daily in a typical home. Across 1.9 million UK homes with solar, this amounted to 10 million solar-powered AC hours per heatwave day, addressing concerns that AC emissions could rival the US annual emissions by 2050.
Beyond practical benefits, installing solar panels can alleviate 'eco distress' and climate anxiety. Climate psychology specialist Linda Aspey notes that taking action, such as gaining energy independence, can foster a sense of empowerment and community, contributing to individual and collective resilience and mental health. While not a cure-all, it allows individuals to feel part of a larger solution.
Financially, while solar panels represent a significant investment typically taking a decade to recoup costs, they can increase property value. A report by Solar Energy UK suggested a typical home with solar panels could increase in price by up to two percent, with other research indicating a potential increase of up to 14 percent. However, some property experts argue that the impact on house prices may be minimal due to other market variables.