- Solar panel installation has increased by 10% since July 2024
- A total of 143,000 solar panels were installed in the UK last year
- There has been a 15% increase in overall renewable energy adoption
England has seen a 10% rise in solar panel installations since Labour’s July 2024 general election victory, according to research by consumer advice experts iChoosr.
The company said that 75,000 solar panels were installed in the second half of 2024, compared to 68,000 between January and June.
This is in addition to the 15% increase in renewable energy adoption, including heat pumps and EVs, and accounted for 47.8% of the UK’s energy generation.
Based on overall renewable energy adoption, the top green energy regions in the UK in 2024 are:
1. Maldon, Essex
2. Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
3. East Lindsey, Lincolnshire
4. South Hams, Devon
5. Winchester, Hampshire
The Labour government has prioritised environmental policies and has set about trying to make the UK a leader in clean energy.
This includes the creation of Great British Energy, a publicly owned company designed to drive clean energy deployment and bring down bills.
The government also has its ‘rooftop revolution’ plan to put solar panels on millions of UK homes. The target for achieving net zero is by the end of the decade.
Additionally, in her recent speech on the economy, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said net zero was critical to achieving growth and one of the great industrial opportunities of the 21st century.
George Frost, UK country manager at iChoosr, described the findings as “heartening” but insisted “more is needed” to meet “ambitious net zero targets”.
“Energy consumers across the UK are now more willing than ever to make the switch to renewable sources,” Frost said.
“Rising energy bills and an increased desire for more sustainable lifestyle options mean UK households are looking for more energy-efficient ways to power their homes.”
According to data from Solar Energy UK, the country’s current total solar capacity is at 15.6 gigawatts. By 2035, the aim is to grow that capacity to 70GW to align with decarbonisation goals.
Frost continued: “From Devon to Essex and Hampshire to Lincolnshire, renewable installations are taking place in homes right across the country; the days of renewable solutions being inaccessible and unaffordable are gone for many households.
“Through new partnerships and initiatives, there are an increasing number of options that enable households to easily make the switch and gain all the benefits that they bring.”
