Nearly 172,000 solar installations have been completed across the UK since the start of 2026, according to new government data, as rooftop solar drives record deployment.
According to the data, almost 28,000 solar installations were completed across homes, businesses and larger-scale projects in July 2026, making it the third-highest monthly total on record after March and June.
Rooftop solar accounted for more than 19,800 installations in July, equivalent to more than seven in ten installations during the month and approximately one installation every two minutes.
The government has also published a regional breakdown of solar deployment for the first time, showing growth across every UK nation and English region over the past 12 months.
Modern Eco-Friendly Home with Solar Panels (Image: D. Goug/Pexels)
The Southeast recorded the highest number of installations over the past 12 months at 22,628, taking its cumulative total to 305,101, an increase of 14% since last July.
The Southwest followed with 17,539 installations over the past 12 months and a cumulative total of 271,400, representing a 13% increase since last July.
The East of England recorded 18,109 installations over the past 12 months, bringing its total to 241,195, up 15% since last July, while the East Midlands added 15,981 installations over the past 12 months for a cumulative total of 182,606, an increase of 17% since last July.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: “From the Southeast 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,” Shanks added.
Read more: Solar Power Portal
