We live in a fast-changing world. The ever-present demand for electricity is only set to increase. At the same time, we all know that we will, at some point, run out of fossil fuels to burn. And we also know how bad that process is for our health, and for the planet’s.
That’s why there’s never been a better time to invest in solar. Not only does it play a small part in saving the planet, it also allows you to take control of your electricity use and bills. And by installing solar now, you get ahead of the curve.
Last year (2025) was a record year. As solar installers in Derby, we recognise that now is a time when people aren’t just talking about the benefits of solar anymore.
Here’s why 2025’s solar record matters if you’re thinking about rooftop solar.
How much power did solar deliver in the UK in 2025?
In 2025, solar generation in the UK reached well past 18,000GWh (it was 18,314GWh in mid-December). That figure rose enormously from around 14,067GWh in 2024. And although it was a particularly enjoyably sunny summer (for once!), that increase also came from significantly more homes joining in, and contributing to, a greater number of solar panels nationwide (including commercial solar farms).
Solar actually supplied a total of 6.3% of Great Britain’s electricity across the year. On 8 July 2025, output peaked at about 14GW at around midday, covering roughly 40% of demand at that point. Only a few years ago, most people would have found figures like that extremely unlikely.
UK installed solar capacity sat at about 20.2GW at the end of 2024. Around 2.5GW of ground-mounted solar came online. Rooftop systems surged, too, with well over 200,000 new small-scale residential installations, accounting for around 650 MW nationwide. That broke the record for the number of installations in a year, breaking the previous one from 2011. There was also another 450 MW or so from commercial rooftop installations. All this pushed the country’s total capacity close to an estimated 23.8GW. This, too, marks a record year.
We can’t control the weather, but last year the UK recorded an incredible 1,622 hours of sunshine up until 15 December 2025, making it the sunniest year since 1910! More light meant more generation from every panel already in place. (Solar panels respond to light, not heat.)
What did this surge in solar mean for households and the grid?
So, what does that mean?
Well, first of all, solar gives households a practical way to understand their power use, and export to the grid, something homeowners are often paid for, depending on their tariff. Solar can power many of your at-home electrical appliances during the day (including fridges, lights, EVs, etc.). And paired with a battery system, you can take complete control over what you’re using, and when. In fact, some households may need only very little power from the grid all summer.
This is also a very exciting time in terms of pollution and clean energy, because solar is one of the cleanest energy options available to the country. We also have wind, hydro, tidal, and nuclear. But of these, solar is the fastest growing, and the option most suited to helping individuals take control of their own electricity generation. With all these renewables, the grid hit its second-lowest carbon intensity on record.
Then there’s the aspect of spreading the load. If there’s ever a problem with one individual roof, it doesn’t have an impact on the regional power supply, unlike large power stations. And battery systems (which not all homeowners have, but most should consider) also allow you to store energy during the day, ready for your household to use later. As more people adopt these devices, the demand on the grid will begin to even out. That helps reduce strain at peak times.
Why does this make now the right moment to add solar at home?
When you look up at the rooftops in your neighbourhood, you’ll see more and more households adopting solar. The technology has come an awfully long way over the past couple of decades. Solar panels are now much more efficient, and most look rather sleek and modern. In fact, installers have become very adept at hiding these systems, so much so that you might not even notice when some homes have them.
It’s now January 2026, and who knows what this summer will have in store for us? However, record solar investment and installations suggest that we might be about to see another record. What’s more, this experience could be within your grasp.
We’ve previously covered how investing in a solar panel system (panels + battery storage) could actually help you make money at some points in the year. There are also ways to take control of your cash flow and energy expenditure, to you make your bills more predictable.
And if you have an EV, or you’re starting to think more seriously about it, then this could be the perfect opportunity. Solar panels can be used to (directly or indirectly) charge your car’s battery, meaning lower-cost energy to drive to and from work, hobbies, friends, and family.
What’s not to love?
So, if you want to explore how solar can help you take control of your home and prepare it for the years to come, Electrical Innovations can help you plan the next step. All it takes is a quick chat to go from theoretical national numbers to real benefits and cost savings for you. Get in touch today to learn more.
Sources
- https://solarenergyuk.org/news/solar-generation-smashes-annual-record/
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz947djd3d3o
- https://www.edie.net/2025-officially-a-record-year-for-uk-solar-power-generation/
- https://boxergy.co.uk/record-solar-generation/
- https://elementallondon.show/news/uk-rooftop-solar-installations-in-2025-surpass-2011-record-high/
- https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-uks-solar-power-surges-42-after-sunniest-spring-on-record/
