Britain recorded its strongest year ever for solar power deployment in 2025, as households and businesses accelerated the shift toward homegrown energy amid renewed concerns over volatile
fossil fuel markets.
Government figures published on Thursday show 269,000 solar installations were completed across the UK last year — 37% higher than in 2024 and the largest annual total on record. Around 255,000 of those were rooftop systems fitted to homes, businesses and public buildings, meaning rooftop projects accounted for roughly 95% of all new installations.
The pace of adoption equated to a new rooftop solar installation every two minutes throughout 2025.
The latest data also points to continued momentum in 2026. Nearly 23,000 new solar systems were installed in April alone, with more than half added to homes. According to the government, nine of the ten strongest months for solar deployment ever recorded have occurred within the past year.
The figures come after the UK surpassed 2 million total solar installations for the first time in March, spanning residential rooftops, community projects and large-scale solar farms.
Ministers said the surge reflects growing demand for greater energy independence following disruption to global fossil fuel markets after the outbreak of war in Iran. The government is positioning solar expansion as a central part of its clean power strategy aimed at improving energy security and reducing household bills.
Annual government data released alongside the installation figures showed the cost of acquiring and installing solar photovoltaic systems has fallen by up to 9%.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said Britain was “taking back control” of its energy supply through record levels of clean power generation, adding that increased solar capacity would reduce exposure to unpredictable global fuel prices.
The government has recently stepped up support for solar projects, including approval of the Springwell Solar Farm, which is expected to become the UK’s largest power-producing solar facility. Ministers are also moving ahead with plans to introduce low-cost “plug-in” solar panels for balconies and outdoor spaces, while new homes in England are expected to include solar panels as standard under proposed rules.
Businesses and public institutions are also expanding solar investment as energy costs remain under pressure.
Numatic International, manufacturer of the Henry vacuum cleaner, has launched a solar park expected to supply about 20% of the electricity used at its Somerset factory.
Meanwhile, Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said rooftop solar panels installed across its sites are expected to reduce energy bills by about £9,500 annually. Wren Kitchens is also developing what is expected to become the UK’s largest rooftop solar array on a factory building.
The government said the latest projects build on the rollout of Great British Energy’s school solar programme, with another 100 schools and colleges due to receive rooftop panels this year. Photo by Solar Panels by Christine Westerback, Wikimedia commons.
