Solar panel installations in the UK have surged past two million for the first time, with more than 27,000 systems added in March alone – the highest monthly total since 2012. Government data from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (Desnz) reveals that 27,607 solar arrays were completed last month, bringing the total number of installations across the country to over two million.
Rooftop Solar Drives Growth
The increase was primarily driven by rooftop solar panels, with two-thirds of the new installations being fitted on homes. Solar capacity has risen by 11.7% over the past year, adding 2.3 gigawatts (GW) of clean power to Britain's energy mix, according to Desnz.
Government Response
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband hailed the figures, stating: “The numbers speak for themselves – the highest monthly installation of solar in over a decade, rising capacity and more than two million solar installations now powering homes across Britain. This is our clean energy mission in action – helping families weather global energy shocks, bringing bills down, and getting Britain off the fossil fuel rollercoaster.”
The government is stepping up solar power across homes, schools, and communities. It has given consent to the UK's largest solar farm, Springwell Solar Farm in Lincolnshire, and is promoting “plug-in” solar panels for balconies and outdoor spaces, while ensuring solar panels become standard on new homes.
Context of Iran War
Mr Miliband has previously vowed to “double down, not back down” on the clean energy transition in light of the Iran war, which has caused soaring fossil fuel prices. This comes despite political opponents calling for a slowdown on net zero targets and increased oil and gas drilling in the North Sea.
The National Energy System Operator reported that solar set new records in March, generating over 15GW of power for the first time, as the grid nears the milestone of achieving 100% clean power for a short period.
Expert Commentary
Jess Ralston, head of energy at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) think tank, commented: “The British public clearly views net zero technologies such as solar as the solution to energy bill volatility and back-to-back oil and gas crises. They are voting with their feet on accelerating the clean transition through electrification – the logical way to shield households from oil and gas prices soaring as a result of conflict thousands of miles away. Once we have installed solar panels or wind turbines, the wind and sun are free, but we will increasingly need to pay other countries for oil and gas as the North Sea continues its inevitable decline, with or without new drilling.”
