Artist's impression
The government has released its solar installation figures for 2025, with the 269,000 installations completed the highest total ever recorded in a calendar year – 37% higher than the year before.
It said the numbers showed that households across the UK have embraced solar power as it accelerates its clean power mission to reduce Britain’s exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets, following the outbreak of the war in Iran.
Of the 269,000 installations completed across the UK, around 255,000 of these were rooftop solar – meaning at least 95% of all new solar was installed on homes, businesses and other buildings, rather than in solar farms.
The figures came alongside annual figures from the government that showed the cost of acquiring and installing solar PV has decreased by up to 9%. It added that rooftop solar can save households up to £480 a month. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:
As we face a second fossil fuel crisis in five years, Britain is taking back control of its energy by generating more clean power than ever before. Record-breaking solar growth means greater energy security, lower exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets which we can’t control. This is what our clean power mission looks like: backing homegrown energy, giving people more control over their bills, and building a stronger, more resilient energy system for the future.”
The government also noted a number of organisations ‘embracing Britain’s solar revolution’:
- Numatic International, the maker of Henry the Hoover, has launched a new solar park expected to supply around 20% of its Somerset factory’s electricity demand.
- Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has installed rooftop solar which is expected to cut bills by around £9,500 a year
- Wren Kitchens is building what is set to become the UK’s largest factory rooftop solar array (pictured above).
