More than 1 million UK buildings have solar panels installed

• Five per cent of buildings across Britain have solar panels
• Among the report, OS looked at ‘green roofs’
• The new data will be “invaluable” for sustainability and biodiversity projects

Five per cent of buildings across Britain have solar panels, and are mostly domestic, according to the latest figures from Ordnance Survey (OS). 

Among the report, OS looked at ‘green roofs’, which they define as at least partially covered with vegetation, usually specifically installed on a water membrane. 

John Kimmance, chief customer officer, the OS, described the the new data as “invaluable” for sustainability and biodiversity projects, supporting: 

• Urban biodiversity, such as shelter for pollinators, air filtration, oxygen generation
• Energy efficiency, such as reduced urban heat islands, increased cooling system performance 
• Enhanced solar panel efficiency
• Improved retail and commercial spaces, making urban environments more attractive

And for the first time, OS identified the presence of solar panels, revealing that nearly 1.3 million of buildings across Britain have them. 

Scotland has the highest proportion of domestic solar panels, and the top three distracts in Britain are Stirling (15%), South Cambridgeshire (14%) and Peterborough (13%). 

The data aims to “revolutionise” market analysis and investment strategies for: 

• Property valuation and energy efficiency ratings
• Green financing and investment
• Renewables incentives programs 
• Carbon footprint analysis for businesses and residential areas

OS’ data covers more than 40 million roofs in Great Britain into the OS National Geographic Database (OS NGD), which will benefit a wide range of sectors, from sustainability and energy, insurance and property to emergency services. 

The OS NGD offers insights into roof shape, aspect, material, green roofs and presence of solar panels. It was almost entirely captured using automated feature extraction, utilising machine learning methodologies in some processes. 

Kimmance said the findings were the “most significant collection of new and existing data” for buildings in the OS NGD since it was created in 2022.

“With the new addition of the new roof data, OS can support so many different sectors with achieving key insights and deliverables – from insurance and property to local authorities under pressure to meet biodiversity net gain targets,” he explained.

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Written by

Tamara Birch Senior writer

Tamara is a London-based journalist and has written about environmental topics for more than four years. This includes advising small business owners on cost-effective ways, like solar panels and energy-efficient products, to help them become more sustainable.

She has used her journalist and research skills to become highly knowledgeable on sustainable initiatives, issues, and solutions to help consumers do their bit for the environment – all while reducing monthly costs.

In addition to adopting sustainable practices in her personal life, Tamara has worked in the retail B2B space to help independent retailers think about their environmental choices and how they can help improve their business. She now uses this knowledge to help consumers do the same.

Her passion for sustainability and eco-friendly solutions stems from a long obsession with nature and animals and ensuring they feel looked after. In her free time, Tamara enjoys reading fantasy novels, visiting the gym, and going on long walks in new areas.

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