First Regional Solar Installations Breakdown as Records Broken Again

Families and businesses across the UK are embracing solar power in record numbers. 

New government data published today shows nearly 172,000 solar installations have been fitted across the UK since the start of 2026.

The surge follows the third-highest month for solar installations on record. Nearly 28,000 installations were completed across homes, businesses and larger-scale projects in July 2026, behind only March and June this year.

More than 19,800 rooftop solar panels were installed in July alone – equivalent to 1 installation every 2 minutes.

Rooftop Solar Revolution

For the first time, the government is unveiling a regional breakdown of Britain’s solar revolution, revealing which parts of the country are making the switch to clean power.

The UK’s top 5 regions for solar deployment were:

• South East: 22,628 installations this year, taking the total to 305,101 installations, an increase of 14% since last July.
• South West: 17,539 installations this year, taking the total to 271,400 installations, an increase of 13% since last July.
• East of England: 18,109 installations this year, taking the total to 241,195 installations, an increase of 15% since last July.
• East Midlands: 15,981 installations this year, taking the total to 182,606 installations, an increase of 17% since last July.
• North West: 15,927 installations this year, taking the total to 186,253 installations, an increase of 16% since last July.

Warm Homes Plan Boost

Energy Minister Michael Shanks pointed to the further increase in rooftop solar installations anticipated when the Warm Homes Plan starts to take effect next year.

The Warm Homes Plan will offer funding to upgrade social housing with rooftop solar, as well as for homeowners of privately owned properties.

Rooftop solar accounted for more than 7 in 10 installations during July – demonstrating the growing appetite among households to generate their own clean electricity.

Solar installations increased in every UK nation and English region over the last 12 months. Wales recorded a 18% rise, Scotland grew by 14%, while installations in the North East increased by 11%.

The increase in solar installations comes as major retailers prepare to offer plug-in solar panels following changes introduced by government.

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