Solar installations reach record levels across UK

28 August 2026

Nearly 172,000 solar installations have been completed across the UK since the start of 2026, according to new government figures, with every UK nation and English region recording growth over the past year.

Almost 28,000 installations were completed in July, making it the third-highest month on record after March and June.

Rooftop solar accounted for more than 19,800 of July’s installations, representing more than seven in 10. The government said this equated to roughly one rooftop installation every two minutes.

The figures include installations across homes, businesses and larger-scale projects. The South East recorded the highest number of installations so far this year, with 22,628, followed by the East of England with 18,109 and the South West with 17,539.

The government has published a regional breakdown of solar installations for the first time. The East Midlands recorded the largest increase among the English regions, rising by 17% compared with July 2025, while the North West increased by 16%.

Across the UK, Wales recorded an 18% rise in installations over the past year, while Scotland saw an increase of 14%. The North East recorded an 11% increase.

The figures come after changes allowing plug-in solar panels to be used across Great Britain.
Retailers including Currys, B&Q, Screwfix and Amazon are preparing to sell plug-in solar products following work with the government.

The government said the changes would make it easier for households to generate their own electricity, although the latest figures cover all solar installations rather than plug-in systems specifically.