The article explores the final step in the green energy transition: getting sustainable power into homes. In south London, architect Natalie Barton paid £6,100 to install a heat pump, only to lose half the cost after the installer went bust and the regulatory system failed her. The insurer IWA finally paid the deposit, citing a “clerical error”.

Across the country, 44‑year‑old Barry Richardson used a zero‑interest, five‑year loan from Nationwide to fit a storage battery and 12 solar panels for £10,105. He plans to upgrade to a heat pump once the technology is proven.

The government is pushing finance into the sector: a £300mn pot will lowercrm interest on green home loans, and the Green Finance Institute warns that the transition must reach every household to survive politically.

Start‑ups like Sero, part‑owned by Legal & General, aim to fit solar panels and batteries on 5,000 social‑housing units, funded by a £60mn investment to be recouped over 30 years. This model gives investors a return while households enjoy lower energy costs.