The UK Government and Great British Energy have announced a £200 million investment to install rooftop solar panels across schools, hospitals, and community buildings as part of a national drive to lower energy bills and boost renewable energy.

Under the initiative:

The UK has reached a major milestone in its clean energy journey, with new figures from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) confirming that the nation now boasts over 18 gigawatts (GW) of operational solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity.

Savings of £28k per year are estimated for an 80-space car park.

Exciting plans are moving forward for a landmark £4 billion renewable energy project in Swansea, marking a significant step toward the UK’s net-zero future. The ambitious initiative includes the transformation of key infrastructure sites across the city — with solar energy playing a leading role.

Wales has emerged as the leading region in the UK for adopting solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, according to new data.

Figures from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) reveal that 15,418 new solar PV systems were installed across Wales in 2024. This equates to about 500 systems per 100,000 people — double the installation rate seen in England.

Of those, 13,310 systems were installed on residential properties, while 2,108 were fitted on commercial buildings.

The Welsh Government plans to install 164 Welsh-made solar panels on its Aberystwyth office, advancing sustainability and supporting local clean energy.

The number of large-scale solar parks in Wales is set to double, with rural areas in West Wales increasingly becoming a focus for developers.

The GR Evans and Co Abbatoir near Corwen uses 120 solar panels on its roof to help power the plant.

Wales' first solar-powered abattoir has been switched on to help process more than 25,000 livestock annually, according to its owners.

Discover the UK's first smart carbon positive home in Bridgend—an affordable, solar-powered house that generates and exports more energy than it consumes.

A Controversial planning application for a solar farm the size of more than 20 football pitches on the western outskirts of Newport could get the go-ahead today.