- Across the UK, nearly 172,000 solar installations have been
fitted since the start of 2026, with increases across every UK
nation and English region over the last 12 months
- Rooftop solar is helping to drive the surge - accounting for
more than 7 in 10 installations during July
- Comes as retailers including Currys, B&Q, Screwfix and
Amazon prepare to roll out plug-in solar, following work with
government
Families and businesses across the UK are embracing solar power
in record numbers as plug-in solar panels become legal across
Great Britain.
New government data published today shows nearly 172,000 solar
installations have been fitted across the UK since the start of
2026. The surge follows the third-highest month for solar
installations on record. Nearly 28,000 installations were
completed across homes, businesses and larger-scale projects in
July 2026, behind only March and June this year.
More than 19,800 rooftop solar panels were installed in July
alone - equivalent to 1 installation every 2 minutes.
For the first time, the government is unveiling a regional
breakdown of Britain's solar revolution, revealing which parts of
the country are making the switch to clean power.
The UK's top 5 regions for solar deployment were:
- South East: 22,628 installations this year, taking the
total to 305,101 installations, an increase of 14% since last
July
- South West: 17,539 installations this year, taking the
total to 271,400 installations, an increase of 13% since last
July
- East of England: 18,109 installations this year, taking
the total to 241,195 installations, an increase of 15% since last
July
- East Midlands: 15,981 installations this year, taking
the total to 182,606 installations, an increase of 17% since last
July
- North West: 15,927 installations this year, taking the
total to 186,253 installations, an increase of 16% since last
July
Energy Minister said:
From the South East to Scotland, households across Britain are
embracing solar power and taking control of their energy.
Record numbers of families are installing solar panels to
generate clean, homegrown power, helping them cut their energy
bills. And through our Warm Homes Plan, we will upgrade homes,
tackle fuel poverty and make rooftop solar more affordable for
families.
Now, by making plug-in solar available across Great Britain,
we're making it easier than ever for more families to benefit
from Britain's solar revolution.
Rooftop solar is helping to drive the surge, accounting for more
than 7 in 10 installations during July - demonstrating the
growing appetite among households to generate their own clean
electricity.
Solar installations increased in every UK nation and English
region over the last 12 months. Wales recorded a 18% rise,
Scotland grew by 14%, while installations in the North East
increased by 11%.
The increase in solar installations comes as major retailers
including Currys, B&Q, Screwfix and Amazon prepare to offer
plug-in solar panels following changes introduced by government.
Notes to editors
See the solar deployment
statistics.
