Key Takeaways
- The UK solar deployment reached a 10-year high in 2025, with a 13.6% increase in total capacity.
- The total deployed solar capacity in the UK reached 21.6 GW at the end of 2025.
- Small-scale installations under 50 kW saw a significant increase, with 257,397 certified installations in 2025, a 32% increase from 2024.
- The UK government has set a target of 45 GW of solar capacity by 2030 and is introducing new measures to support rooftop installations.
- The 373 MW Cleve Hill Solar Park was commissioned in 2025, setting a new record for the largest solar plant in the UK.
Introduction to UK Solar Deployment
The United Kingdom has seen a significant surge in solar deployment, with 2025 marking a 10-year high in terms of new capacity added. According to government data, the total deployed solar capacity in the UK reached 21.6 GW at the end of 2025, representing a 13.6% increase from the previous year. This growth can be attributed to both large-scale and small-scale installations, with the latter seeing a particularly significant increase. The UK’s accreditation body, MCS, recorded 257,397 certified solar installations in 2025, the highest on record and a 32% increase from 2024.
Large-Scale Solar Installations
The UK has also seen a significant increase in large-scale solar installations, with the 373 MW Cleve Hill Solar Park being commissioned in the summer of 2025. This plant sets a new record for the largest solar plant in the UK and is expected to be followed by several other large-scale plants in the coming years. The UK government has deemed several sites as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, which is expected to accelerate the deployment of plants with capacity greater than 100 MW. The growth in large-scale solar installations is also driven by the UK’s contracts for difference (CfD) auction, which is currently in its seventh allocation round. The auction is expected to procure significant solar capacity to help the government meet its target of 45 GW of solar capacity by 2030.
Small-Scale Solar Installations
Small-scale solar installations have seen a significant increase in 2025, with MCS recording 257,397 certified installations, a 32% increase from 2024. This growth is expected to continue, driven by policy support from the UK government. The government’s Warm Homes Plan includes grants, subsidies, and regulations to encourage the deployment of solar and battery installations. UK households will be offered cash grants and state-backed loans to support solar and battery installations, and the government is also expected to make rooftop solar effectively mandatory on new build properties when it introduces new building standards for England later in 2026. This policy support is expected to drive a marked increase in rooftop capacity, with many households taking advantage of the incentives to install solar panels.
Government Support and Targets
The UK government has set a target of 45 GW of solar capacity by 2030, and is introducing new measures to support the deployment of solar installations. The Warm Homes Plan is a key part of this strategy, and includes a range of incentives and regulations to encourage households and businesses to install solar panels. The government is also providing funding for research and development of new solar technologies, and is working to improve the grid infrastructure to support the integration of solar power. The UK’s CfD auction is also playing a crucial role in supporting the deployment of large-scale solar installations, and is expected to continue to drive growth in the sector in the coming years.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, the UK solar deployment has reached a 10-year high, with a significant increase in both large-scale and small-scale installations. The UK government’s policy support and targets are driving growth in the sector, and the introduction of new measures such as the Warm Homes Plan is expected to continue to drive deployment in the coming years. The UK’s solar industry is expected to continue to grow, with many new installations expected to be deployed in the coming years. As the UK continues to transition to a low-carbon economy, solar power is expected to play an increasingly important role, and the government’s support for the sector is crucial to achieving its climate goals. With the right policies and incentives in place, the UK solar industry is well-placed to continue to thrive and make a significant contribution to the country’s energy mix.
