The UK solar market is experiencing its strongest period of growth in years, with installed solar capacity recently surpassing 18 gigawatts (GW) as of February 2025. This momentum reflects a broader national and global shift toward cleaner energy and highlights the vital role solar technology plays in the UK’s renewable energy strategy.
At O’Keeffe Solar, we’re excited to see this rapid expansion, not only because it supports our mission to provide sustainable solar solutions, but because it underscores a future where energy independence, lower carbon emissions, and cost savings are accessible to all.
Between August 2024 and February 2025, the UK added a staggering 2 GW of new solar capacity. That’s the equivalent of powering hundreds of thousands of homes with clean, renewable energy. In February 2025 alone, more than 15,000 new solar systems were registered, showing just how strong household and business interest in solar has become.
This surge pushes the UK’s total number of solar installations to approximately 1.73 million, marking a 6.8% increase compared to the previous year.
One of the key drivers of this adoption has been the decreasing cost of installation. In 2024, average residential solar prices dropped significantly, from £9,238 in January to just £7,561 by December. This downward trend is helping more UK homeowners realise the economic and environmental benefits of going solar.
With 73% of new installations in February 2025 being residential, the numbers show a strong and growing appetite among households to reduce energy bills and reduce carbon footprints.
Supportive government initiatives are helping fast-track this renewable revolution. In mid-2024, the UK government committed a record £1.5 billion to its next Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction round, the scheme responsible for financing much of the country’s low-carbon energy infrastructure.
Even more transformative is the government’s new regulation mandating solar panels on all new homes built in England from 2027 onwards. This move not only sets a new baseline for sustainable construction but is expected to generate a wave of solar demand in the coming years.
As solar adoption increases, so does its contribution to the UK’s energy mix. On April 1st, 2025, the country set a new record for solar electricity generation, 12.2 GW of power was produced between 12:30 and 1:00 PM. March 2025, meanwhile, was the sunniest March since records began, boosting production and confidence in solar performance.
Over the course of the year, the UK produced 14.43 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of solar electricity, enough to power more than 5 million homes. For the first time ever, renewable energy sources provided more than 37% of the UK’s electricity, surpassing fossil fuels.
Looking forward, the government aims to more than double the UK’s current solar capacity, targeting 47 GW by 2030. With private investors, such as Brookfield Asset Management, pledging over £1 billion to support UK solar infrastructure, the industry is poised for sustained, long-term growth.
This is not just good news for the planet, it’s great news for families, businesses, and communities looking to reduce their energy costs, increase independence, and do their part in the fight against climate change.
At O’Keeffe Solar, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this transformation. Whether you're a homeowner exploring rooftop options or a business looking to reduce operational costs and emissions, our team is here to help you navigate the journey.
Contact us today to find out how solar can work for you, and become part of the UK’s clean energy future.
