The United Kingdom’s solar sector showed continued expansion in early 2024, with initial reports pointing to 190 MW of new solar capacity installed in the first quarter. However, a broader analysis of the year reveals a much stronger growth trajectory. Across the first five months of 2024, the nation added a more substantial 778 MW, contributing to an impressive 1.6 GW of new capacity for the full year—the largest annual increase since 2016. This momentum pushed the UK’s total installed base beyond 18 GW by the end of 2024.
This growth is critical as the UK pursues ambitious renewable energy goals outlined in its national solar roadmap. The government is aiming to more than double current capacity to between 45-47 GW by 2030, a key milestone toward a wider industry ambition of 70 GW by 2035. Achieving this will require a significant acceleration in the deployment of all types of solar installations, from residential systems to large-scale solar farms.
Industry experts emphasize that unlocking this potential hinges on supportive government policy and overcoming persistent hurdles. While smaller projects, particularly on residential rooftops, continue to be a significant market driver, speeding up the deployment of utility-scale projects is paramount. A robust project pipeline is already in place, with nearly 4 GW of new solar PV projects receiving planning permission in the 12 months leading up to mid-2024. As stakeholders await the results of the nation’s sixth Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction, there is a clear call for the incoming government to urgently address challenges such as grid connection delays and supply chain resilience to maintain deployment pace.
Sources for UK Added 190 MW Solar Capacity in Q1 2024
- Global solar installations surge 64% in first half of 2025 – Ember
- Renewable energy analysis headline figures Q1 – 2024 – UPDATE
- Europe’s solar electricity production surged in Q1 2025
- Solar roadmap: United Kingdom powered by solar
- UK records 513 MW of January-May solar additions – PV Magazine
- Renewables generated 50.8% of the UK’s electricity in 2024