Small-scale renewable systems installed every 90 seconds in UK record year

5 February 2026

The UK installed a record 369,000 certified renewable energy systems in homes and small businesses in 2025, averaging one installation every 90 seconds. This represents a 34% increase on 2024 and brings the total number of certified systems since 2009 to 2.4 million, with more than a quarter completed in the past two years.

Rooftop solar led the growth, with 267,032 systems installed, surpassing the previous annual record set in 2011 by 31%. Heat pumps also reached a new high, with more than 60,000 fitted during the year, while battery storage saw over 40,000 installations, nearly doubling its previous record.

The estimated annual generation from systems installed in 2025 was 1.8 billion kilowatt hours, enough to power the London Underground network, including Overground services and offices, for a year. Total installed capacity across all certified systems since 2009 now exceeds 10 gigawatts.

Installations increased across the UK. Cornwall, Somerset and North Yorkshire recorded the highest volumes, while uptake relative to household numbers was strongest in Wales, with the Isle of Anglesey, Ceredigion and Gwynedd leading. Nationally, new builds were a key driver, accounting for around 28% of all installations and over 36% of solar panels.

Public funding supported growth, with 27% of all installations partly or fully financed by government schemes. Heat pumps were particularly affected, with 43% delivered under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

The number of certified installers grew by 7% over the year, reflecting rising demand for small-scale renewables as households and businesses increasingly invest in low-carbon energy technologies.

Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS, says:

“It’s great to see the record-breaking uptake of small-scale renewables across the UK, and these figures are only set to increase following the release of the government’s Warm Homes Plan. This represents a fantastic opportunity for the sector to grow, but it’s critical that as more people invest in home-grown energy, high-quality, certified installations continue to underpin consumer confidence.”

Chris Hewett, CEO of trade association Solar Energy UK:

“A smaller-scale renewable energy system installed every 90 seconds is an extraordinary signal of how quickly the UK public is embracing clean, home-grown energy. That pace is only going to pick up with the introduction of interest-free loans and grants for solar power, heat pumps, battery storage and insulation under the government’s Warm Homes Plan, combined with forthcoming rules that will all but require solar power on new homes and buildings in England. The industry will ensure that we have the skills base, supply chain and standards in place to deliver.”

Charlotte Lee, chief executive at HPA UK:

“2025 marked another record year for heat pump installations, progress that can only be viewed as positive. With the government’s Warm Homes Plan now published, confirming a £2.7bn budget for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme up to 2029/30 and setting out an ambition to install 450,000 heat pumps per year by 2030, the future growth for the sector provides a huge opportunity. Crucial to this is the swift publication of the much-anticipated Future Homes Standard, which will accelerate demand and shore up supply chains to enable sustained sector growth. With the market expected to grow exponentially, installation standards and quality must remain high, and we will continue to work with and support MCS during the transition to MCS 2025.”

For further details on the figures, click here.