The first half of 2025 has marked a significant milestone for the UK’s green energy transition. More homes and buildings than ever before are now equipped with solar panels, battery systems and heat pumps, according to new data.
Figures released by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme, which provides the official quality mark for small-scale renewable energy installations in the UK, show that over 172,000 certified installations were completed between January and June. That’s a 37 per cent jump compared to the same period in 2024 and roughly one third higher than the previous record set at the start of 2023.
So what is driving this surge?
The MCS points to three technologies leading the charge: solar panels, electric heat pumps and home battery storage. Solar panels remain the most popular option by far, with 123,000 certified installations recorded in just six months. This marks a new all-time high for the January-to-June period, surpassing the previous record set since 2012.
Modern Eco-Friendly Home with Solar Panels (Image: D. Goug/Pexels)
Battery storage is also gaining serious momentum. More than 18,000 batteries were installed across homes in the first half of the year. That’s more than double the number from the same timeframe in 2024, when fewer than 8,000 units were registered. These batteries allow homeowners to store surplus solar energy or charge up during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper, then draw on that power when prices spike. The result? Lower bills and greater energy independence.
Read more: Sustainable Times
