- 27,000 solar installations completed in
March 2026 - the highest monthly deployment
of solar in over a decade
- The surge was driven mainly by rooftop solar,
with two-thirds of installations being new solar
panels on homes
- Total solar capacity across the UK surpassed 2
million installations – across solar farms
and rooftops - for the first time ever in March
2026
Households across the UK are embracing solar power as the
government accelerates its clean power mission to
reduce Britain's exposure to volatile fossil fuel
markets following the outbreak of the war in Iran.
New government data published today shows that more than 27,000
solar installations were completed in March 2026 - the
highest monthly total since 2012 - bringing the total
number of solar installations across the UK to more than two
million for the first time.
Solar capacity increased by 11.7% over the past year, adding 2.3
GW of
clean, homegrown electricity to
Britain's energy mix. This growth means more
British renewable power is being generated domestically, helping
to protect families and businesses from international
gas price shocks.
The record growth comes as the government steps up investment in
solar power across homes, schools and communities to
deliver its clean power mission and help cut energy bills. This
includes:
- consenting Springwell Solar Farm, the largest
power-producing solar farm in UK history
- driving forward with the rollout of ‘plug-in' solar
panels (low-cost panels that families can put on their balconies
or outdoor space) to be available in shops within
months and save people money on their bills
- ensuring solar panels are fitted on new homes in
England as standard
This month saw a new record for solar generation, with
National Energy System Operator data showing solar output passing
15 GW for the first time on
Britain's electricity system, underlining the pace at which
clean, homegrown power is being rolled out.
Energy Secretary said:
The numbers speak for themselves - the highest monthly
installation of solar in over a decade, rising capacity and more
than 2 million solar installations now powering homes across
Britain.
This is our clean energy mission in action -
helping families weather global energy shocks, bringing
bills down, and getting Britain off the fossil fuel
rollercoaster.
These installations build on the success of Great British
Energy's solar scheme, with the government backing the company to
support a further 100 schools and colleges with rooftop solar
installations this year.
In addition, subject to final approvals, the government is
providing an extra £100 million for the Social Housing Fund,
helping deliver up to 57,000 solar installations for households
during this financial year.
Notes to editors
See Solar photovoltaics
deployment.
