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.
As of February 2025, a total of 1,735,000 solar PV systems have been installed across the country — an impressive 6.8% (or 1.1GW) increase over the past 12 months. Last month alone, 80 megawatts (MW) of capacity were added from 20,427 new installations, a figure significantly above the national average recorded between 2016 and 2021.
Strong Performance Despite Slower Pace
While 2024 saw a slight dip in new installations — 191,000 compared to 197,000 in 2023 — the year’s figures still far exceed historical averages. Between 2016 and 2022, the UK averaged just 63,000 solar installations annually, making recent years a clear reflection of growing solar adoption.
Residential Solar Leads in Volume
Domestic systems continue to dominate in number. In February 2025 alone, 73% of all new installations were fitted on residential rooftops, contributing 58MW to the national total. While these systems make up the majority by volume, they currently account for around 30% of the UK’s total installed solar capacity.
Ground-Mounted Installations Powering Ahead
Larger, ground-mounted solar farms remain a vital part of the UK’s energy mix. As of December 2024, 43% of capacity (7.71GW) came from ground-based systems — including the Charity and Triangle solar farms, both of which secured Contracts for Difference (CfDs). When accounting for unaccredited systems, it’s estimated that ground-mounted installations now represent approximately 55% of all UK solar capacity.
Falling Costs Fuel Domestic Growth
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) also reported record-breaking figures for domestic solar in the past year, with 200,010 home solar PV systems and 22,667 battery storage systems installed between January 2024 and January 2025. The surge in demand has been supported by falling system prices — with the average installation cost dropping from £9,238 in January to just £7,561 by December.
Looking Ahead: Up to 3.5GW of Growth in 2025
Industry research forecasts continued momentum, with between 3GW and 3.5GW of new solar capacity expected to be added across the UK in 2025. Residential and commercial rooftop systems are anticipated to contribute around 20% each to this expansion.
Leading the Way with 1 Vision Solar
At 1 Vision Solar, we're proud to be part of the UK's solar revolution. Whether you're considering a residential rooftop system or a larger-scale ground-mounted array, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way — from design and installation to performance optimisation.
Contact us today to discuss your project and join the growing number of UK homes and businesses powering their future with clean, renewable solar energy.
