The UK has set a new record for rooftop solar PV installations in 2025, highlighting the country’s growing commitment to clean, homegrown energy. According to the latest figures from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), 206,682 rooftop solar systems have been installed so far this year—a fifth consecutive year of growth. This milestone brings the total number of certified small-scale solar installations in the UK to an impressive 1.85 million.
MCS data show that solar deployments on new-build homes have been a major driver of growth. Since October 2023, rooftop solar on new builds accounted for 32% of all installations, rising to 35% in the first 11 months of 2025. This trend underscores how distributed solar is becoming a vital part of the UK’s energy mix, helping families cut bills while contributing to national climate goals.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband welcomed the figures, describing them as evidence of strong public demand for solar technology. “The British people are showing record demand for solar panels because they know this is a slam-dunk way to cut energy bills,” he said. Miliband highlighted the upcoming Future Homes Standard (FHS), which will mandate rooftop solar for most new builds, as a key accelerator for the sector. “This government is committed to introducing the FHS so the vast majority of new homes are fitted with solar from the start, giving families real savings on their energy bills.”
Geographically, the growth in installations has been widespread, with Somerset and Cornwall leading the country in rooftop solar uptake, installing 3,741 and 3,726 systems respectively. North Yorkshire (2,780), County Durham (2,668), and Wiltshire (2,545) round out the top five. These figures illustrate how solar energy is being adopted across urban and rural communities alike, creating local jobs and supporting the UK’s renewable energy infrastructure.
The surge in rooftop solar has been complemented by a rapid increase in battery storage systems. MCS reports that in the first nine months of 2025, installations of battery energy storage systems (BESS) rose by 122% compared to the same period in 2024. This growth supports the development of flexible, low-carbon energy networks and reinforces the UK as a frontrunner in solar-plus-storage projects. Market analyst Pexapark notes that the country’s contracts-for-difference (CfD) scheme provides an ideal environment for co-located solar and storage projects, enabling both homeowners and businesses to benefit from reliable, cost-effective energy solutions.
Erik Strømsø, CEO of BW ESS, commented earlier this year that the UK storage market is “a very mature market,” reflecting its sophistication and readiness to support further renewable expansion. The combination of rooftop solar and battery storage is enabling Britain to take full advantage of its renewable resources while creating jobs, cutting emissions, and strengthening energy security.
With record installations and a growing pipeline of storage projects, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Britain’s clean energy sector. As rooftop solar becomes standard in new homes and battery storage becomes more widespread, the UK is demonstrating that it is leading the way in practical, homegrown solutions for a sustainable future.
