Residential Solar PV Market Report – UK 2025-2029
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The Residential Solar PV Market Report UK 2025–2029, provides in-depth analysis of the UK’s fast-evolving domestic solar PV market. It explores key growth in drivers, policy developments, installation trends, supply chain dynamics, and forecasts through to 2029. With residential installations now dominating the market and new regulations likely to mandate solar on new homes, the report offers essential insight for manufacturers, installers, investors, and housing professionals navigating this high-potential sector.
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Market summary
The UK residential solar PV market is entering a period of sustained growth, driven by high energy costs, supportive government policy, and a national push toward net zero. Residential installations now account for nearly 90% of total solar panel projects, yet only around 5% of UK homes currently have systems in place — highlighting major untapped potential in the retrofit market. Regulatory changes, including the upcoming Future Homes Standard, are expected to make solar panels mandatory for most new builds by 2026. As installation costs fall and technology advances, solar PV is increasingly viewed as a mainstream home energy solution, offering cost savings, improved EPC ratings, and long-term energy resilience.
Key points from the report
Retrofit Opportunity
Despite growth, only 5% of UK homes currently have solar panels installed, indicating significant potential across the existing housing stock.
Regulatory Drivers
Upcoming policy changes, including the Future Homes Standard (due Autumn 2025) and Part L building regulations, are expected to make solar panels a standard requirement for most new-build homes by 2026.
Technology & Product Mix
Monocrystalline panels dominate the UK market with a 67% share in 2024 due to their efficiency and reliability. Battery storage and EV-linked systems are also becoming increasingly important in residential applications.
Supply Chain Landscape
The market is led by global manufacturers, particularly from China (e.g., Longi, Jinko), with UK distribution and installation carried out by MCS-registered installers. UK manufacturing remains limited, with Veridian being the most notable domestic supplier.
Policy & Incentives
Government-backed schemes such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and improved access to finance are key enablers of market adoption, especially in the retrofit segment.
Installation Trends
Installations reached over 190,000 in both 2023 and 2024, far surpassing pre-2021 levels. Although 2024 saw a slight dip from 2023, volume remains well above the historic average.
Market size
The UK solar PV market was worth an estimated £1.3 billion in 2024, with residential installations accounting for 87% of all projects. The market is forecast to grow steadily through 2029, supported by strong policy backing and consumer demand.
Market analysis
The UK residential solar PV market is experiencing renewed momentum following a period of stagnation between 2016 and 2020. Driven by rising energy prices, greater environmental awareness, and renewed government support, installations have surged since 2022. The sector is further buoyed by upcoming regulatory changes, most notably the Future Homes Standard—which is expected to mandate rooftop solar on new homes from 2026. While the market remains dominated by global manufacturers, particularly from China, UK-based value is concentrated in distribution, installation, and aftercare services. With only an estimated 5% of homes currently fitted with solar panels, the retrofit opportunity is vast. Continued cost reductions, improved battery storage solutions, and evolving policy incentives are expected to underpin sustained market growth through 2029.
Forecast
The UK residential solar PV market is expected to see steady growth through to 2029, supported by strong policy direction, continued consumer demand, and improving installation economics. Regulatory changes mandating solar on new homes, combined with a large untapped retrofit market, are set to drive consistent year-on-year expansion across the sector.
Key companies mentioned in the report
While most panels installed in the UK are imported, especially from China, these are the leading manufacturers supplying the UK market:
• LONGi Solar (China) – One of the largest global suppliers of monocrystalline panels.
• Jinko Solar (China) – Major global player, widely used in residential installations.
• JA Solar (China) – Competitive on price and performance; growing UK presence.
• Trina Solar (China) – Known for high-efficiency panels and strong UK distribution links.
• Q CELLS (South Korea/Germany) – Popular in premium residential installations.
• REC Group (Singapore/Norway) – Mid-to-high-end panels often used in domestic systems.
Domestic panel manufacturing is limited, but there are a few notable names:
Veridian Solar – UK’s most established solar roof integration manufacturer, known for in-roof and aesthetic solar products.
Romag – UK-based supplier of bespoke solar PV modules, often for architectural integration.
Solarwatt (UK arm) – German parent, but active in UK with battery-integrated systems.
Economic, Legislative, and Regulatory
Policy & Regulation: Government initiatives such as the Future Homes Standard and updates to Building Regulations are pushing solar PV toward becoming a standard feature on new-build homes.
Energy Price Volatility: Ongoing uncertainty in global energy markets continues to drive consumer interest in self-generated electricity and long-term energy cost stability.
Carbon Reduction Goals: The UK’s legally binding net zero targets are reinforcing solar PV adoption as a key tool for decarbonising the housing stock.
Technology Advancements: Improvements in solar efficiency, battery storage, and integrated systems (e.g., solar + EV charging) are making installations more attractive and future-proof.
Finance & Incentives: Availability of green finance options and export incentives such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) are lowering barriers to entry for homeowners.
Retrofit Potential: With only a small percentage of UK homes currently equipped with solar panels, the retrofit segment represents a major growth area over the next five years.
Installer Network & Accreditation: The role of MCS-certified installers is growing in importance, especially as eligibility for government schemes depends on proper accreditation.
Product Category
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
The most widely used panel type in the UK residential market (approx. 67% share).
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Slightly less efficient and less expensive than monocrystalline panels.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
Lightweight and flexible, offering aesthetic and integration advantages, especially in non-standard roof designs.
Battery Storage Systems (Optional Add-On)
Not a solar panel type but increasingly paired with PV systems to store excess energy for use at night or during peak times.
Inverters (String, Micro, Hybrid)
Essential for converting solar energy from DC to usable AC electricity.
Mounting & Roof Integration Systems
Includes rooftop mounting kits, in-roof systems, and solar tiles.
Regional Analysis
Adoption of residential solar panels in the UK varies widely by region, influenced by factors such as solar irradiance, housing stock, local authority incentives, property ownership levels, finance, and even installer density.
Southwest & Southeast England
These regions lead in total installations, driven by higher solar exposure, affluent homeowner demographics, and larger proportions of detached homes suitable for retrofit.
Scotland & Wales
While overall numbers are lower, these areas rank high on a per capita basis, supported by local government grants and strong awareness of renewable energy benefits. Scotland has particularly high uptake due to rural energy resilience needs.
East of England & Midlands
Showing strong growth in both new-build and retrofit segments, driven by volume housebuilding activity and increasing regional installer networks.
London
Lags behind other regions due to limited roof space, planning constraints, and high levels of flats/apartments. However, growth is supported by local authority-driven decarbonisation programmes.
Northern Ireland & Northeast England
Slower adoption to date, though improving access to installers and funding is beginning to drive interest, particularly in rural areas where off-grid support is a factor.
Distribution/Supplier Analysis
These companies manage large-scale imports and supply to UK installers:
• Segen – One of the UK’s largest solar equipment distributors.
• Solar Trade Sales – Supplies panels, inverters, and mounting systems to installers.
• Edmundson Electrical (via Greentech branches) – National electrical wholesaler supplying solar products.
The majority of residential systems are delivered via MCS-accredited installers, either national or regional:
• Octopus Energy Services – Offering solar PV systems alongside energy tariffs and battery storage.
• Project Solar UK – One of the UK’s largest dedicated residential solar installers.
• Evergen – Focused on smart solar and battery installations, often using AI-driven optimisation.
• Effective Home – Fast-growing national installer with finance options.
• Solar Together – Group-buying scheme supported by local councils, aimed at homeowners.
• E.ON Solar – Energy provider offering residential solar through its in-house installation arm.
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