Solar Power Statistics UK 2024

Renewable energy has been a growing talking point throughout the UK, especially since the introduction of the government’s Net Zero goal. 

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a number of exciting developments in this space.

Let’s explore the latest statistics linked to solar capacity and adoption rates, which highlight how solar energy is shaping the UK’s renewable energy future.

Domestic Solar Statistics UK

• As of January 2024, the UK’s solar capacity hit 15.7 GW across 1,454,607 installations, marking a 6.6% increase since January 2023.
• According to industry figures, by January 2024, domestic installations made up the majority of solar installations across the UK.
• As of June 2024, a total of 1.39 million homes in the UK had switched over to solar power.
• Plymouth is the city that’s currently leading the charge in terms of solar installations, with over 115,000 households benefitting from solar panels. In terms of regions, the South-East has the highest number of installations.
• Thanks to decreasing solar panel costs, homeowners can expect a payback period of 6 to 8 years.
• Studies show that solar panels are increasing UK property prices by up to 25%.
• Solar panels cost roughly £9,076 for the average house.
• After several years of use, the overall carbon footprint of solar panels drops into the negatives, resulting in a positive environmental impact.
• In just one year, you can reduce your home’s carbon footprint by up to 80%.

Commercial Solar Statistics UK

• In 2023, the UK solar market was valued at £1.6 billion.
• An increased adoption of solar panels can create more than 42,000 new jobs by 2030.
• In 2023, the UK saw an increase in commercial solar installations, adding substantial capacity to the national grid. Over 1 GW of new solar capacity was deployed, driven by commercial and industrial sectors.
• The latest data shows that there are currently 1,336 solar farms operational in the UK, highlighting the strong switch over to renewable energy sources.
• Cornwall alone is home to over 8,000 solar sites, many of which are commercial installations.
• The average cost for commercial solar installations is £50,000 for a small to medium business.
• Government schemes and incentives, such as the Contracts for Difference (CfD) auctions and liberalisation of planning rules, have played a leading role in encouraging commercial solar installations.
• It is estimated that the cost of installing and maintaining a commercial solar system can be recouped within approximately 8 years due to the savings on electricity expenditure.
• A commercial solar installation visibly promoted by a business communicates a solid commitment to sustainability, enhancing brand reputation and attracting environmentally conscious customers. In a Nielsen study, 81% of global respondents strongly agreed that companies should help improve the environment.
• UK businesses with significant rooftop space have the potential to install systems ranging from 100 kW to several megawatts. These commercial installations can harness more solar energy, resulting in higher electricity production and greater financial benefits.

Key Takeaways

Solar capacity is increasing in the UK as more homes and businesses understand the value of switching to solar panels for their energy needs. The knock-on effect is that the cost of solar panels is decreasing, making it even easier for more residents to make the switch.

Over and above the cost savings and environmental benefits, solar PV systems are having a positive impact on property values, further emphasising the advantages of this investment.

If we continue to see an increase in renewable energy technology adoption, the UK should be able to meet its Net Zero goal by 2050. The added benefit of this is the economic boost thanks to an ongoing increase in job creation.

Get a Solar Panel Installation Quote Today

If you’re ready to make a change and experience the power of solar electricity generation, we’re here to guide you through the process. Eco Happy is a leading supplier of affordable residential and commercial solar energy solutions. Contact us or fill in our easy online form today to receive your custom-tailored solar quote.

FAQs

Where is the largest solar farm in the UK?

The largest solar farm in the UK is Shotwick Solar Park, located in Flintshire, Wales. Opened in 2016, this solar farm has a capacity of 72.2 megawatts. It covers 250 acres of land and is capable of powering approximately 20,000 homes.

How much solar energy will the UK be generating in 2025?

Current government plans and projections indicate that the solar PV industry will generate close to 20 GW of solar energy by 2025. The goal is to increase this to 40 GW by 2030 and 54 GW of solar energy by 2035.

What is the current global solar capacity?

As of early 2024, the global installed solar power capacity has reached approximately 1.6 terawatts (TW). This significant milestone was achieved through a substantial number of solar PV additions in 2023, where around 447 gigawatts (GW) of new solar PV capacity were installed, marking an 87% increase from the previous year.

Final Thoughts

The solar industry isn’t just on the rise in the UK but across the globe. We can no longer afford to solely rely on traditional energy sources if we want to continue enjoying a green and stable environment.

This rise in the UK’s solar capacity is a positive sign that this technology can make significant changes across the country and that Net Zero is within reach.