You won’t believe it, but the UK has just seen the highest number of rooftop solar installations in over seven years!
With over 50,700 households installing solar panels in the first quarter of 2023, the installations account for a whopping 265 MW of power – that’s half the power of a coal-fired unit!
This is a huge achievement for the solar industry and a testament to the increasing demand for renewable energy sources.
What’s driving this surge in solar installations, you ask? Well, it’s a combination of rising energy bills, environmental concerns, and the recent energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine.
People are taking matters into their own hands and turning to solar power as a way to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their energy bills.
But while the rise in solar installations is a positive development, the current state of the solar industry is not without its challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Over 50,700 households installed rooftop solar panels in Q1 2023 in the UK, the highest in over seven years.
- The increase in solar installations has been driven by rising energy bills and environmental concerns, as well as the energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine.
- The closure of the Feed-in Tariff subsidy scheme in 2019 led to the collapse of installations and smaller firms going bust.
- Only 4.4% of the UK’s electricity is generated from solar, compared to 35.9% from gas and 23.3% from wind.
Solar Installations Increase
Despite rising energy bills and environmental concerns, over 50,700 UK households installed rooftop solar panels in Q1 2023, more than doubling the number reported during the same period in 2019.
This is a significant increase, and it shows that more and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of solar energy. By installing solar panels on your rooftop, you can save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
Solar installations have been steadily climbing in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue. Despite the Feed-in Tariff subsidy scheme closing in 2019, leading to a collapse in installations and smaller firms going bust, the increased number of installations may be attributed to the Ukraine war’s energy crisis.
With only 4.4% of the UK’s electricity generated from solar, compared to 35.9% from gas and 23.3% from wind, there is still a lot of potential for growth in this industry. So, why not join the thousands of UK households who are already benefiting from rooftop solar panels?
Reasons for Increase
Rising energy bills and environmental concerns are driving more households to install rooftop solar panels, resulting in a significant increase in power generated from renewable sources.
With the closure of the Feed-in Tariff subsidy scheme in 2019, many smaller firms went bust and installations dwindled. However, the recent energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine has pushed energy bills higher, leading to a surge in solar installations.
Despite the increase, only 4.4% of the UK’s electricity is generated from solar, compared to 35.9% from gas and 23.3% from wind. The government has been accused of ‘actively dismantling’ the UK’s solar industry, but the number of installations has climbed steadily in recent years.
As solar panels can help to save on costs, it’s no surprise that more households are turning to renewable sources of energy.
Current State of Solar Industry
The current state of the solar industry in the country is constantly evolving, with some ups and downs in recent years. The closure of the Feed-in Tariff subsidy scheme in 2019 led to a collapse in installations and smaller firms going bust.
However, despite this setback, the number of installations has been steadily climbing in recent years. The increase in installations is largely driven by rising energy bills and environmental concerns, as well as the energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine. In fact, the number of installations in Q1 2023 was more than double the number reported during the same period in 2019, with more than 50,700 households installing rooftop solar panels.
Despite the growing number of installations, solar energy still only accounts for 4.4% of the UK’s electricity generation, compared to 35.9% from gas and 23.3% from wind. However, solar panels can help to save on costs and the MCS recorded the highest number of home batteries for the quarter with 351 systems installed.
Solar technology and regulations are constantly evolving in the country, but the increasing number of installations is a positive sign for those who are subconsciously seeking independence from traditional energy sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the cost of rooftop solar panel installation compare to other renewable energy options?
Do you want to know how the cost of rooftop solar panel installation compares to other renewable energy options?
While the exact cost varies based on factors like location and panel size, rooftop solar is generally considered one of the more cost-effective renewable energy options. In fact, according to a report by the International Energy Agency, solar photovoltaic (PV) is the cheapest source of electricity in history.
Additionally, rooftop solar panels can be easily installed on existing buildings, reducing the carbon footprint and energy costs of both homeowners and businesses. Other renewable energy options like wind and geothermal can also be cost-effective, but may require more upfront investment and infrastructure.
Ultimately, the choice of which renewable energy option to pursue depends on a variety of factors, including location, available resources, and budget.
Are there any government incentives or subsidies currently available for rooftop solar panel installation in the UK?
If you are considering installing solar panels on your roof in the UK, you should know that the Feed-in Tariff subsidy scheme closed in 2019, which led to a collapse in installations and smaller companies going out of business.
However, there are still some government incentives available. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allows you to earn money by exporting any excess energy your panels generate back to the grid. Homeowners who install solar panels can also benefit from reduced energy bills and increased home value.
You may also be able to have the solar panels installed for free, simply head on over to our Eligibility Checker and see if you qualify.
What percentage of UK homes currently have rooftop solar panels installed?
You may be surprised to learn that only a small percentage of UK homes currently have rooftop solar panels installed.
According to recent data, only about 4.4% of the country’s electricity comes from solar power, compared to 35.9% from gas and 23.3% from wind.
However, this number is slowly but steadily increasing, with more than 50,700 households installing rooftop solar panels in Q1 2023 alone.
This trend has been driven by rising energy bills, environmental concerns, and the recent energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine.
Solar panels can still help homeowners save on costs and reduce their carbon footprint in spite of the Feed-in Tariff subsidy scheme’s closure in 2019.
How do rooftop solar panels impact the value of a home?
Rooftop solar panels can have a positive impact on the value of a home. According to a report by the US Department of Energy, homes with solar panels sell for an average of $15,000 more than those without. This is because potential buyers see the value in having a renewable energy source that can save them money on energy bills. Whilst this report was for the US, we can hopefully expect similar value increases in a homes value here in the UK.
Additionally, homes with solar panels are seen as more environmentally friendly and can appeal to buyers who prioritize sustainability. It’s important to note that the impact on home value can vary depending on factors such as location, size of the solar panel system, and local regulations.
It’s recommended to consult with a real estate professional or appraiser to get a more accurate assessment of the impact on your specific property.
Are there any concerns about the environmental impact of manufacturing and disposing of solar panels?
You may have concerns about the environmental impact of manufacturing and disposing of solar panels. While solar energy is considered a clean and renewable source of power, the production of solar panels does have a carbon footprint.
However, studies have shown that the energy saved from using solar panels outweighs the emissions produced during manufacturing and disposal. Additionally, advancements in technology have led to more efficient production methods and recycling programs for old panels.
As the demand for solar energy continues to rise, it’s important for manufacturers to prioritize sustainability and for governments to implement regulations to ensure responsible disposal practices.