Residential solar energy adoption trends

Solar energy adoption is expanding across different residential sectors to manage energy costs and increase property value.

In New York, owners of affordable apartment buildings are implementing rooftop solar installations to mitigate rising utility, insurance, and housing expenses. Because regulated rents often cannot keep pace with electricity and fuel price increases, solar energy serves as a hedge against price spikes and allows more capital to be allocated toward building maintenance.

Broader trends show diverse models for renewable energy participation. Renters and apartment residents are utilizing community solar projects, which allow them to receive utility bill credits without needing property ownership or rooftop access. Meanwhile, for homeowners, solar installations are increasingly linked to property desirability. In the UK, mentions of solar panels in property listings rose by nearly 40 per cent in 2025 compared to the previous year, though the specific impact on asking prices depends on factors such as system age, condition, and location.