UK sees 22% surge in 2025 domestic solar panel installations
Nearly 100,000 domestic solar panel systems have been installed in the UK in the first six months of 2025, representing a 22% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to new data.
Figures from renewable energy group iChoosr show that 99,500 domestic solar panel systems were installed in the first half of 2025, rising from 81,539 installations completed during the first half of the previous year. The surge comes as the UK Government introduces a new Solar Roadmap intended to accelerate the rollout of solar power.
Regional uptake
The research, based on data from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), identified Argyll and Bute as having the highest proportion of households with solar installations so far in 2025, at 1.4%. This was closely followed by The Cotswolds with 1.38%, and Ceredigion with 1.29%. Of the top ten areas for installations, five are located in Wales.
The MCS is an independent body that certifies both renewable energy products and their installers, providing a measure of assurance regarding the quality and authenticity of reported data.
Broader trends in renewables
Beyond solar, the data suggests a broader shift towards domestic renewable energy. Installations of all types of household renewable energy systems—including heat pumps and battery storage—increased by 18% compared to the same period in 2024. iChoosr's polling of 1,000 UK adults indicated that almost half (47%) are motivated to become more eco-conscious in order to help protect the planet. One-third (32%) expressed interest in installing solar panels, and nearly one in five (18%) are considering adopting heat pumps.
Government support
The recent launch of the government's Solar Roadmap has been described as "a pathway for the UK to rapidly accelerate the roll out of solar, helping drive down bills, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and powering economic growth with clean energy".
"We welcome the government's aims to reduce carbon emissions and cut household energy bills, and it's especially encouraging to see increasing practical and financial support for the adoption of renewable energy sources across the UK," George Frost, UK Country Manager at iChoosr, said, responding to government plans.
Role of community schemes
iChoosr has facilitated more than 5% of domestic solar panel installations in the UK during the first half of 2025 by partnering with local authorities to deliver community schemes. The company provides access to solar panels, battery storage, electric vehicle chargers, and heat pumps, as well as options to switch to renewable electricity tariffs. Their group-buying approach aims to simplify decision-making and reduce costs, linking residents with certified suppliers and installers.
"We are proud that our group-buying schemes are accounting for an ever-growing share of green energy installations. We know that many in the UK want to take steps to go greener, although they struggle to know where to start. Our goal is to empower individuals to make confident, informed choices, removing barriers to renewable energy options by making them more affordable and accessible," George Frost continued.
So far, over 11 million households worldwide have participated in iChoosr's schemes, such as Solar Together—a group-buying solar panel scheme—Switch Together, which offers access to heat pump installations, and Big Community Switch, a collective energy switching scheme aimed at saving on domestic bills.
The research indicates that social influence has a role in promoting eco-friendly behaviours, with community-based schemes providing an avenue for residents to become more engaged in adopting renewables.
