Solar energy in the UK has witnessed phenomenal growth due to technological advancements, progressive policies, and an overarching commitment to a sustainable future. For solar power, this growth can be seen not only in residential and commercial installations but also in utility-scale plants, which is a nationwide trend in renewable energy development. ​

National Solar Power Capacity and Growth

According to the latest figures, the UK’s total installed solar capacity amounted to 17.2 GW, an increase of 1 GW over the previous 12 months — or 6.3% compared to the October 2023 figure. Its annual growth reflects the increasing acceptance of solar energy across the country. October saw 76 MW added in total last year, with homeowners representing a significant portion of this total, with 73% of the 76 MW added being residential installations.

In the first quarter of 2025, solar power contributed 4% to the UK’s electricity generation. Projections indicate that this figure could surpass 10% during the summer months, emphasising solar energy’s growing significance in the national energy mix.

Residential Solar Installations

Increasing energy costs , along with the need to have a lower environmental footprint, are the major factors in residential solar installations. As an example, UK homeowners have installed the most certified solar panels, heat pumps, and battery storage systems in 2024. A typical 3.5 kWp solar panel system, which costs around £6,100, can save homes in the south of the UK between £600 and £690 a year on energy bills. It is a payback that is normally regained in 11 to 14 years and increases the value of the property by more than 6%. ​

However, the high upfront costs can be a barrier for low-income families. Research by the Resolution Foundation last year suggested the UK’s poorest households could see energy bills slashed by 24%—to the tune of up to £440 a year — with solar panels. It would be more practical and constructive, therefore, to introduce measures like government income-based awards or loans that covered installation costs. ​

The current trend of residential energy efficiency is taking shape. Inbar Linenberg and Henrik Brodtkorb performed a “deep retrofit” of their north London terrace house built more than 100 years ago to create zero energy bill housing. They replaced the windows with triple-glazed ones and insulated throughout, creating an airtight house served with systems including an air source heat pump (ASHP) and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR). They installed solar panels, which generated more electricity than they were consuming throughout 2024, and to their delight, found their energy supplier paying them instead. They reduced the energy bills to net zero — despite an average UK household now paying £1,849 per year — making the home more comfortable and sustainable.

Commercial and Industrial Solar Power Adoption

In order to cut manufacturing costs and prevent waste, more and more businesses are investing in solar energy. Take Principal Doorsets, the largest door manufacturer in Barnstaple, North Devon, as an example. It installed a 544.32 kWp solar PV system in September 2014. To date, this system has saved 65,092 kg of CO₂, equivalent to planting 3,938 trees. This has significantly reduced the company’s carbon footprint.​ ​

Large-Scale Solar Farms and Community Impact

Large-scale solar farms are a major contributor to the UK’s targets for renewable energy. They also have their share of problems, however, as they can meet with local opposition. One such example is the 259-acre solar farm on the ancient Harroway track in Long Sutton, Hampshire. Aiming to light up 30,000 homes and help achieve the UK’s net-zero targets, the start-up power plant faced opposition from locals worried about its impact on the rural landscape and historical sites. Despite over 200 objections, the Hart District Council voted by a narrow margin to authorise the plan, highlighting the delicate balance between generating renewable energy projects and accounting for community voices.​

Government Initiatives for Solar Power

In an effort to reduce energy costs and promote renewable energy, the UK government, through Great British Energy (GBE), will underwrite the cost of installing solar panels on 200 schools and 200 NHS sites in 12 months. This could save each school about £25,000 a year and each NHS site up to £45,000, making a significant contribution towards the UK’s net-zero target. ​

Contributions of Key UK-Based Companies

Several UK-based companies are making significant strides in the solar energy sector:​

• Octopus Energy: Octopus Energy’s generation arm, in September 2024, announced it would invest £2bn over the course of the next six years in UK clean energy projects. This includes the setting-up of four new solar farms in Bristol, Essex, East Riding of Yorkshire (270 MW) and Wiltshire with a combined capacity of 222 MW. Additionally, Octopus is breaking ground on a new 12 MW battery in Cheshire to store and supply power to nearly 10,000 homes daily. ​Octopus Energy
  
• Harvest Green Developments: This company has been instrumental in facilitating commercial solar installations. Principal Doorsets, for instance, commissioned a 544.32 kWp solar PV system in September 2023, which has significantly reduced the company’s carbon footprint. ​Harvest Green Developments
  

Conclusion

Helped by this diversification of legislation and the advent of new production technology, the UK solar power market is ready for further development. Companies like Octopus Energy and Harvest Green Developments, Solutions30, and Green Frog Connect are spearheading this expansion, helping projects that meet the nation’s renewable energy targets. In order to make the UK’s solar sector sustainable as it changes, getting around financial barriers for lower-income homes and dealing with local opposition for projects on a large scale are essential.