Issued by: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Families and businesses across the UK are embracing solar power in record numbers as plug-in solar panels become legal across Great Britain.

New government data published today shows nearly 172,000 solar installations have been fitted across the UK since the start of 2026. The surge follows the third-highest month for solar installations on record. Nearly 28,000 installations were completed across homes, businesses and larger-scale projects in July 2026, behind only March and June this year.

More than 19,800 rooftop solar panels were installed in July alone - equivalent to 1 installation every 2 minutes.

For the first time, the government is unveiling a regional breakdown of Britain’s solar revolution, revealing which parts of the country are making the switch to clean power.

The UK’s top 5 regions for solar deployment were:

• South East: 22,628 installations this year, taking the total to 305,101 installations, an increase of 14% since last July

• South West: 17,539 installations this year, taking the total to 271,400 installations, an increase of 13% since last July

• East of England: 18,109 installations this year, taking the total to 241,195 installations, an increase of 15% since last July

• East Midlands: 15,981 installations this year, taking the total to 182,606 installations, an increase of 17% since last July

• North West: 15,927 installations this year, taking the total to 186,253 installations, an increase of 16% since last July

Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: "From the South East to Scotland, households across Britain are embracing solar power and taking control of their energy.

"Record numbers of families are installing solar panels to generate clean, homegrown power, helping them cut their energy bills. And through our Warm Homes Plan, we will upgrade homes, tackle fuel poverty and make rooftop solar more affordable for families.

"Now, by making plug-in solar available across Great Britain, we’re making it easier than ever for more families to benefit from Britain’s solar revolution."

Rooftop solar is helping to drive the surge, accounting for more than 7 in 10 installations during July - demonstrating the growing appetite among households to generate their own clean electricity.

Solar installations increased in every UK nation and English region over the last 12 months. Wales recorded a 18% rise, Scotland grew by 14%, while installations in the North East increased by 11%.

The increase in solar installations comes as major retailers including Currys, B&Q, Screwfix and Amazon prepare to offer plug-in solar panels following changes introduced by government.

Notes to editors:

See the solar deployment statistics: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/energy-trends-section-6-renewables

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