By the end of the summer, IKEA branded solar panels will be available for purchase online and in UK stores.

The announcement yesterday coincides with new research revealing that 33% of UK homeowners would like to invest in residential solar panels in order to cut their electricity bills.

Three major IKEA stores, in Glasgow, Birmingham, and Lakeside, opened their "Solar Shops" yesterday and the company plans to launch them in every store across the UK by summer's end.

"Evidence shows that installing solar panels enables households to save up to 50% on their electricity bills," said Joanna Yarrow, Head of Sustainability at IKEA UK and Ireland. "We want to turn solar into an essential part of any home and believe our new "Solar Shops" will be a major milestone in making this happen."

An online calculator was designed for residents of England, Scotland and Wales to provide estimates on the potential size and cost of a solar system, along with the return on investment that could be expected.

Installation of the panels will be offered through the company's new partnership with Solarcentury, according to a press release.

"One of the oldest solar companies in the world, they will supply local installers from their trusted network for IKEA customer."

Susannah Wood, Head of Residential Solar at Solarcentury says, "Together with IKEA we have designed an offer which makes solar simple for homeowners. We've blended IKEA's retail expertise with our solar expertise to arrive at an offer which combines quality with great value for this now-mature, tried and tested technology."

Learn more at ikea.co.uk/solar.