Record Year for UK Rooftop Solar as Installs Surge in 2025

Solar Power
December 10th, 2025
Record Year for UK Rooftop Solar as Installs Surge in 2025

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Rooftop solar installations in the UK have reached a new high in 2025. The UK now has 206,682 certified solar PV systems on homes and other buildings, and this happened in the first 11 months of this year. This is the fifth year in a row that solar installations have gone up. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) says that people, builders, and the solar industry all want clean power. It shows that the UK is moving toward more use of solar PV to give clean electricity to everyone.

With electricity costs going up and more help from the UK government, the United Kingdom has seen more people get solar panels. A lot of new homes in the UK are now built with these panels. Because of this, the UK reached its fastest annual growth rate for domestic installations since they started counting.

This strong growth helps the UK have better energy security. It also supports the UK government’s action plan to boost the total solar capacity. The UK plan is for solar panels to be used more on residential properties and commercial rooftop spaces.

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What the new MCS solar installation data shows

Data from MCS shows that 2025 is the top year for rooftop solar installations in the UK so far. From January to November 2025, people in the UK put in 206,682 new rooftop solar PV systems. The total number of certified installations is now at 1.85 million all over the UK. People want more solar PV for their homes, and the use of solar energy UK is also going up fast.

The rooftop revolution is growing fast because it now has better permitted development rights. These development rights let people put solar panels on their homes without many planning steps. This means you do not have to wait as long to get started. Upfront costs are lower, too, and solar technology keeps getting better. All of this now makes it easy for more people to join in than ever before.

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Why rooftop solar demand is rising across the UK

Rising energy prices and household savings

Solar energy is becoming more important for households. People now have a good way to control how they use energy and pay less over the year. Many know that when they make their own solar power, it can bring them potential savings. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) lets homes sell their extra energy back to the grid.

Government support for solar and clean energy

The UK government is now giving more help for renewable energy. The policy support for this is stronger than before.

  • The future homes standard tells us what new homes need to do. It makes sure these homes are built in a better way and use less energy.
  • Permitted development rights let people put things like solar panels on rooftops. You do not need a lot of paperwork to do this.
  • There are new incentives that help people get low carbon technologies. These make it easier and cheaper for people to use things that are good for the environment.
  • There are also new planning rules for solar farms and big projects. These rules show how to build and use these solar farms, so people can get the most out of them and help the future homes standard be met.

Chris Hewett is well known in the UK solar field. He says that policy changes are very important. Chris talks a lot about how these changes can help speed up solar capacity. He also points out that new build properties and the bigger solar PV market can grow more if there are good policies in place. Having strong policy changes can really help the solar PV market do well.

Growth in solar on new-build homes

One big reason for more solar panels in 2025 is that builders keep putting them on new build homes. Since October 2023, new build homes gave 32% of all solar panels on rooftops. In 2025, this number is now at 35%. This means the vast majority of new build homes have renewable energy in place when people move in.

Developers can add solar panels when they make new homes. This does not cost as much as some people think. It makes the EPC of the home better. It also helps follow rules, which there may be more of in the future. This is something we will keep seeing, because the Future Homes Standard will be required for all new homes.

How rooftop solar has grown each year since 2021

The solar industry has been growing every year for the past five years.

  • 2021: The solar energy market went up again after a big change from before had stopped its growth for a short time.
  • 2022: A crisis with energy made more people and businesses choose to use solar energy.
  • 2023: New rules for new buildings helped the solar market to get bigger.
  • 2024: A big jump in battery storage helped to make solar capacity go up even more.
  • 2025: There was the most new residential and commercial rooftop solar systems this year than ever before.

This steady rise shows that solar power is now a way to get energy for many people and businesses in the United Kingdom.

How rooftop solar has grown each year since 2021

Regional hotspots for rooftop solar in 2025

Installations are not the same everywhere in the country. Some counties get high numbers when it comes to using solar energy. Somerset and Cornwall still be the top places for solar energy. There is also good growth in North Yorkshire, County Durham, and Wiltshire.

These areas benefit from:

  • There is a lot of roof space that can be used.
  • People want more clean power.
  • Many strong installer networks are in place.
  • Local planning teams support renewable energy.

Southern areas were always the first to use solar. Now, northern counties get more growth each year.

How solar-plus-battery systems are reshaping the UK market

Battery storage systems have grown a lot in 2025. Installations are up 122% from last year. Experts say the United Kingdom is now leading in solar-plus-storage projects. This is because there are flexible contracts and the market is ready for it.

Battery storage benefits include:

  • You can use more of the energy that you make.
  • You will pay less for your energy bills.
  • You can still have power when the lights go out.
  • This works with EV chargers.
  • You will need less power from the grid at night.

These trends match the UK Government’s plan. The UK Government wants to make energy security better. The UK Government also wants to bring down carbon emissions.

What record rooftop solar adoption means for UK households

More homes use clean power these days. Solar technology gets better all the time. The panels work well and they last for years. People do not have to pay as much money as they used to start with solar technology.

A lot of people are adding solar panels and batteries to their homes for the first time. They do it in one project. When you do this, you can have a low carbon energy system that works well in your home. Development rights are better now. You can save money for a long time. There are also more companies doing work with solar panels, so it is easier for homes and commercial rooftop spaces to use them. This means more domestic installations and also more solar panels going on commercial rooftop places. The move to solar is getting bigger every year, and it helps all of us use less carbon.

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Cost considerations for rooftop solar in 2025

Typical UK installation cost ranges include:

  • 3–4kW system: £4,800–£7,000
  • 5–6kW system: £7,000–£10,000
  • Home battery (5–10kWh): £3,000–£8,000

Upfront costs can change from one project to another. The size and needs of each job make a difference. For example, commercial rooftop projects and solar farms set their prices in their own way. Technological advances and strong installer networks also help keep the cost stable. These projects set prices based on how big they are and what is needed to connect them to the grid.

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How solar panels save money in 2025

Solar power lets your home use less power from the grid. This can help you make your energy bills more steady over time. You can get some savings like this:

  • Use less of the grid’s power in the day.
  • Get money when you send extra electricity you make.
  • Make the best use of battery power.
  • Stop prices from going up later.

The UK solar PV market is now mainly focused on setups that have battery storage and smart controls with power making. This setup lets people get more from their solar PV systems.

The role of rooftop solar in the UK’s wider energy transition

Rooftop solar is very important for the UK. It helps grow the energy sector in a good way. Rooftop PV cuts carbon emissions. It also helps with energy independence. This kind of clean power is good for homes, businesses, and community projects.

With more solar panels going up fast and good policy support, the UK is building one of the best rooftop solar industries in Europe. Changes in technology are also helping the UK grow in this field.

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Correct as of 21 November 2025

FAQs About the UK Rooftop Solar Record in 2025

How many rooftop solar installations were completed in 2025?

In the first 11 months of 2025, more than 206,000 rooftop solar installations in the United Kingdom got certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). By the end of this year, that number will go up even more. This year brings the biggest increase in domestic installations the UK has ever had. This rise sent the UK’s total to 1.85 million certified small-scale solar PV systems. So, solar energy is now a true part of the UK energy sector, and more people are picking it for their homes.

What is driving the growth in UK rooftop solar?

Growth is happening because of several strong reasons. The UK Government changed development rights and set goals for more clean power. The Future Homes Standard is part of this change. It helps UK households to use more renewable energy, such as solar power. More people want low carbon and self-made energy because of high energy bills. UK Government policy support is also pushing this growth.

There are more installers in the market now. The upfront costs to install systems are getting easier to handle. People can now see just how much money they will save over time. This is making demand for solar power and clean power systems rise. New technological advances, lower costs, and growing awareness help keep growth steady.

What role do new-build homes play in solar growth?

New build homes are changing the solar market in a big way. Since late 2023, one of every three rooftop solar panels are put on new build homes. Many builders now choose to put solar panels on homes as they build them. This makes homes get better EPC scores. It also helps cut down carbon emissions. This move matches the rules set by the future homes standard for future homes. The vast majority of new build homes made with the future homes standard will all have solar panels. This trend in the solar market will keep going for years to come.

How does rooftop solar improve UK energy security?

Rooftop solar gives the United Kingdom a good way to keep its energy safe. It makes clean power right from homes and other buildings. This helps people not rely too much on foreign fuel or big power stations. When you use battery storage at home, people can save the solar energy they make. They can use it later, like when a lot of people need power.

As total solar capacity gets higher every year, the UK does not face as many sudden price changes or issues in the world energy market. Using more solar energy in residential properties and businesses lets the UK have more control. This makes energy security better for everyone.

Are commercial rooftop installations growing too?

Yes. Most numbers from MCS are still about domestic installations. But now, more commercial rooftop solar PV systems are showing up too. A lot of businesses in the UK want to lower their energy costs and be part of clean energy. Places like retail parks, big logistics centers, warehouses, and factories are picking solar PV. They want to save money as time goes on and also look good in their efforts to help the planet.

Commercial rooftop solar PV systems are a lot bigger than home setups. Even so, they play an important role in the UK’s total solar capacity. When these businesses use solar PV, it helps increase solar capacity in the UK. This is good for UK businesses, as it helps them save energy and get better with sustainability. It also brings the UK closer to its clean energy goals.

Does rooftop solar reduce carbon emissions?

Yes, every time you put in a solar panel, it helps lower the need for energy from places that give off more carbon. A normal rooftop solar system can cut several tonnes of carbon emissions over 25 years. The actual number depends on the energy use in your area and the size of your setup. Because of this, rooftop solar is a good low carbon choice for homes that want to help with UK climate goals. It also gives your family cleaner air. This helps cut carbon emissions all over the country.

How long do solar panels last?

Most solar panels today last for about 25 to 30 years. Many of them keep giving clean power for even more years. The makers of solar panels often give a guarantee. This says that after 25 years, the panels should still work at about 80% of what they did at first. Solar technology has also gotten better. New solar panels are tougher, work better, and do not need much fixing as they get older.

What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?

The Smart Export Guarantee gives UK households a way to make money by sending extra solar energy back to the grid. Energy companies choose their own payment rates, and you get paid for each kilowatt-hour you send back.

The Smart Export Guarantee is now an important thing in the solar pv market. It helps people with solar systems see better value and get more potential savings from their solar pv.

Do homeowners need planning permission for rooftop solar?

Most of the time, if you want to put solar installations on your home, you do not need planning permission. Many residential properties have development rights, so you can usually start work without special approval. But there are some exceptions. If your home is a listed building, if it is in a conservation area, or if you want to make big changes, you may need permission.

The easier process for development rights makes it simple for people to get solar installations on their homes. It takes away many slow steps and helps to make everything happen faster. This is great for anyone who wants to use permitted development rights for solar upgrades.

How is the UK Government supporting solar growth?

Government support strengthens planning rules for solar farms. The UK government is also updating building regulations for new homes. There is permitted development rights for rooftop systems. Long-term clean power targets help us reach net zero. The UK government action plan for energy says rooftop solar is important for renewable energy. Ministers like Chris Hewett and Ed Miliband say rooftop solar is needed to lower household bills and make the country’s energy more strong.

Are battery storage systems worth adding?

Battery storage systems are seen in more homes now because technology keeps getting better. The prices are also not changing much. A home battery lets you save solar energy during the day. You can then use that energy when there is no sun. This can help you depend less on the main power grid. It may also give you more chances for potential savings.

In 2025, battery installations went up by 122%. This made batteries the fastest-growing part in the solar pv market. Many people use batteries at home as backup power when there is an outage. These batteries can also work with electric vehicles and other systems powered by solar energy.

Which regions lead UK solar adoption?

Regions with strong solar markets include Somerset, Cornwall, North Yorkshire, County Durham, and Wiltshire. These areas have a lot of installers and there is good local support for solar technology. Conditions in these places are better for using solar panels. Many people still think southern counties lead in solar power. But places in the north like North Yorkshire and County Durham now grow quickly each year. More homes and businesses in the UK see solar technology as a good way to save money. They also want to do something good for the environment.

Can I compare solar installation quotes?

Yes. The best way to get a good deal for a solar power system is to look at quotes from several installers. This helps if you need solar panels for new build properties or want to add them to an old home. When you compare the price, the equipment, and the installer’s experience, it helps you choose the best system for your home. You can also find out your potential savings from solar power.

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