Issued by: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Households across the UK are embracing solar power as the government accelerates its clean power mission.

• 27,000 solar installations completed in March 2026 - the highest monthly deployment of solar in over a decade

• The surge was driven mainly by rooftop solar, with two-thirds of installations being new solar panels on homes

• Total solar capacity across the UK surpassed 2 million installations – across solar farms and rooftops - for the first time ever in March 2026

Households across the UK are embracing solar power as the government accelerates its clean power mission to reduce Britain’s exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets following the outbreak of the war in Iran.

New government data published today shows that more than 27,000 solar installations were completed in March 2026 - the highest monthly total since 2012 - bringing the total number of solar installations across the UK to more than two million for the first time.

Solar capacity increased by 11.7% over the past year, adding 2.3 GW of clean, homegrown electricity to Britain’s energy mix. This growth means more British renewable power is being generated domestically, helping to protect families and businesses from international gas price shocks.

The record growth comes as the government steps up investment in solar power across homes, schools and communities to deliver its clean power mission and help cut energy bills. This includes:

• consenting Springwell Solar Farm, the largest power-producing solar farm in UK history

• driving forward with the rollout of ‘plug-in’ solar panels (low-cost panels that families can put on their balconies or outdoor space) to be available in shops within months and save people money on their bills

• ensuring solar panels are fitted on new homes in England as standard

This month saw a new record for solar generation, with National Energy System Operator data showing solar output passing 15 GW for the first time on Britain’s electricity system, underlining the pace at which clean, homegrown power is being rolled out.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

"The numbers speak for themselves - the highest monthly installation of solar in over a decade, rising capacity and more than 2 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."

These installations build on the success of Great British Energy’s solar scheme, with the government backing the company to support a further 100 schools and colleges with rooftop solar installations this year.

In addition, subject to final approvals, the government is providing an extra £100 million for the Social Housing Fund, helping deliver up to 57,000 solar installations for households during this financial year.

Notes to editors

See Solar photovoltaics deployment: [https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/solar-photovoltaics-deployment]

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