UK solar is off to a robust start in 2025. The UK government and energy regulator Ofgem, in their latest figures, recorded 513 MW of solar capacity installed in January to May. Solar capacity continues to grow steadily despite seasonal constraints. These figures take UK solar deployment to nearly 19 GW, with expansion anticipated in the coming months.
Spurring the UK solar bubble
This article addresses the UK solar boom drivers, the home and commercial market solar installation milestones, and how energy storage systems contribute to return on investment enhancement.
UK solar installations continue to grow
Deployment highlights:
- 513 MW of new solar in January–May 2025.
- Installed capacity now stands at 18.9 GW, close to 19 GW.
- 66% of all new installations in May 2025 were mounted on residential rooftops.
- Residential solar alone accounted for 65 MW in May.
- Ground-mount solar accounts for about 59% of the UK's total capacity.
Solar deployment fell modestly year-to-year over the same time in 2024 (778 MW for January–May 2024, versus 513 MW in 2025). However, analysts believe reporting delays and data delays will push the end-of-year 2025 number upward.
UK solar remains among the UK's key sources of renewable energy input even in the less sunny weeks early in the year.
Solar Energy Generation: A Bright Q1 for the UK
Despite relatively lower solar resource availability during winter and early spring, the UK experienced a 45% increase in solar generation during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Power Generation Statistics
- Solar power generation for Q1 of 2025: 2.8 TWh.
- Percentage photovoltaic power generation: 3.6% of national power generation.
- Total share of renewables in the generation mix: 46.3% in the electricity mix, though this share decreased due to less favorable wind conditions.
These figures show that modern solar efficiency continues to improve, steadily, while residential and commercial market contributions of PV installations continue to rise.
Factors contributing to increase in solar installations in the UK
- Government incentives: These incentives are put in place by the government to encourage the uptake of residential solar installations.
- Energy price volatility: Price volatility in energy has rendered solar energy a beneficial investment.
- Advances in PV technology: Ongoing developments have resulted in enhanced PV efficiency.
Residential vs. Ground-Mounted Solar in the UK
| Type of Installation | Share of Total Capacity | Jan–May 2025 Additions |
|---|---|---|
| Residential (rooftop) | 30% | 65 MW |
| Ground-mounted (utility) | 59% | Majority of large-scale |
| Commercial/Other | 11% | Moderate contribution |
This trend shows the UK’s energy transition is being driven both from the ground up (homes, small businesses) and top-down (large solar farms, institutional deployments).
Why Energy Storage Matters More Than Ever
Solar electricity generation works best during daytime, but peak household electricity usage happens in the evening. Without energy storage, solar energy will go to waste or be sold back into the grid at a low price.
Benefits of solar energy + energy storage
- Utilize solar energy at night: save the excess electricity in the day and continue to use it at night.
- Save on cheaper electricity: reduce the need to buy expensive electricity from the grid.
- Control power outages and grid instability: With stored electricity, there is no fear of power outages, and the dependency of the grid does not change.
- Improve energy independence: generate electricity for your own use and reduce the dependence on external power sources.
- Improve return on investment: maximize the economic return on solar energy systems.
Huijue Group helps you in your solar power experience
With increasing and more solar energy installations being fitted throughout the UK, innovative businesspeople and firms are marrying their photovoltaic arrays with high-tech energy storage systems to ensure maximum return on investment.
A leading global supplier of solar power and energy storage solutions, Huijue Group provides a range of high-performance, affordable systems for residential, commercial and utility-scale installations.
Final Thoughts: What’s Next for UK Solar?
The UK’s 513 MW of new solar installations in the first five months of 2025 marks a strong start to what could be another record-breaking year for UK solar. With growing interest in residential systems and advancements in energy storage technology, the path to a more resilient and sustainable grid is becoming clearer.
Don’t just install solar—optimize it with intelligent storage solutions from Huijue Group.
Explore our product range and speak to our team to find the right energy solution for your home or project.
