More and more homes are being made sustainable. Solar panels are now installed on millions of roofs, and home batteries are also increasingly coming up in conversations about energy. But how do people really feel about this topic? With this question in mind, we took to the streets of Amsterdam and spoke with random passersby about sustainable energy, solar panels, and home batteries. What stood out: there's a willingness, but also doubt and uncertainty.

Sustainable energy: intentions, not always knowledge

When asked if people were considering sustainable energy, many passersby responded positively. Some indicated they consciously made sustainable choices, although not everything worked out: "That's definitely the case, yes. I do try, but not everything works out." Others were open to it, but lacked concrete knowledge: "I don't have too much knowledge on it, but as long as it's sustainable, that would be ideal."

This paints a clear picture: sustainable energy is a widely supported idea, but for many people it's still abstract or complex. People want it, but don't always know where to start.

Solar panels: often already present, sometimes mainly for financial reasons

Solar panels appear to be the first – and sometimes only – step towards sustainability for many people. Several interviewees indicated they already have panels on their roofs. Interestingly, sustainability wasn't always the main reason. Financial benefits play a significant role. The impact is certainly felt: "We have solar panels, but not consciously for sustainability, more for financial reasons. And it does make a huge difference."

Solar panels are now commonplace, but not always seen as part of a broader sustainability strategy.

Home batteries: familiar, but many questions remain

When the conversation shifts to home batteries, uncertainty increases. Knowledge is fragmented and sometimes vague: "What do you call such a thing? A home battery? Yes, one you can charge, right?" Others sense that a home battery could be interesting, but lack concrete reasons or information: "I do know that I should be interested in it and that it would benefit me."

At the same time, some interviewees did see the added – and necessary – value of a home battery: "You create something, but you also have to be able to supply it. Everything has to be right." This refers to the surplus of electricity currently on the grid, which the system is not yet prepared for, resulting in power outages – including in Amsterdam. Home batteries offer a suitable solution.

What can we learn from this?

The conversations on the street paint a familiar picture:

• There is a great deal of willingness to make things more sustainable
• Solar panels are now widely accepted
• The next step, such as a home battery, raises questions and doubts
• Knowledge, clarity, and trust are decisive

For many people, making their homes more sustainable isn't a matter of reluctance, but rather of overview and appropriate advice.

Making things more sustainable starts with insight

The energy transition isn't an all-or-nothing affair. Not everyone needs to be completely energy-neutral tomorrow. What does help is insight into your own situation: what do you already have, what suits your home, and what truly delivers?

The street interviews in Amsterdam make one thing clear: sustainable energy is alive and well, but it requires clear explanations and realistic steps.